pesticides and planning for emergencies, ppp-44emergency medical assistance. some spills can be...

PURDUE UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • WEST LAFAYETTE, IN 47907

PPP-44

PURDUE PESTICIDE PROGRAMSPURDUE PESTICIDE PROGRAMS

Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service

PESTICIDES AND PLANNING FOR EMERGENCIESPREVENTION, REACTION, AND RESPONSE

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 3PREPLANNING FOR EMERGENCIES ...................................................................................... 8WORKPLACE HAZARD ASSESSMENT.................................................................................... 8CERTIFICATION OF HAZARD ASSESSMENT ............................................................................ 13PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ........................................................................................ 22FIRST AID KITS ............................................................................................................... 30BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS ................................................................................................ 33BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN ........................................................... 37EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS ......................................................................................... 42HAZARDOUS WASTE OPERATIONS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE .............................................. 43EXIT SIGNS ................................................................................................................... 48ELECTRIC PANEL MARKINGS ............................................................................................. 50EVACUATION MAP ........................................................................................................... 52SITE MAP ...................................................................................................................... 55EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN .......................................................................................... 58EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN (Model) ................................................................................ 63CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................. 111ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ........................................................................................................ 112

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

Fred Whitford, Coordinator, Purdue Pesticide Programs

David Gunter, Attorney, Beers, Mallers, Backs & Salin

Brian Miller, Supervisor, Operating Compliance, E, H, & S, Crop Production Services

Brad Shurdut, Risk Assessment Manager, Dow AgroSciences

Allen Summers, President, Asmark, Inc.

Larry Hamby, Hazmat Specialist, State Fire Marshall

Mike Titus, Assistant Fire Chief, Flora Fire Department

Arlene Blessing, Editor and Designer, Purdue Pesticide Programs

mailto:[email protected]

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Customer loyalty can mean the difference betweenprosperity and bankruptcy in today’s highly competitivepest control markets, both urban and rural. Managers

must continually adapt to changing markets by establishing salesgoals, implementing business plans, taking advantage of businessopportunities, and coupling effective, competitively priced productswith quality service.

Equally important—but often overlooked—are potential financialthreats from injuries, fires, spills, explosions, and other accidents. Afire or an accidental spill can be as catastrophic as losing yourentire customer base. You must identify the potential for theseevents and, more importantly, develop a proactive plan. Manyprudent business owners and managers recognize and acknowl-edge their responsibility for human and environmental protectionand purposely develop a plan for handling emergencies. But toomany don’t.

Postponing critical judgment until an unfortunate situationpresents itself—be it a fire, a spill, or what have you—is anirresponsible stance. Decisions of this magnitude should not bemade under stress fueled by an emergency situation: Snapdecisions are seldom the best decisions. Wrong decisions mayleave an individual or a business vulnerable to the ravages of fines(local, state, federal) and legal action as well as potentiallyastronomical cleanup costs. Once an emergency occurs, it’s toolate to plan.

Business owners cite various reasons for failing to plan foremergencies:

• A belief that accidents will not happen to them

• A misconception that preplanning is expensive• Ignorance of potential costs an

emergency can impose

• Lack of understanding of theemergency potential of storedchemicals

• Oversight of the fact that environ-mental damages may requirereimbursement to a state agency

• Failure to recognize that on-the-job injuries are covered byworkmen’s compensation and thatclaims raise the cost to thebusiness owner

• Failure to recognize thatemergency-related claims fordamage increase liabilityinsurance premiums

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

Personal injury from pesticide exposure

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• A belief that time dedicated to preplanning iswasted

• Failure to comprehend that a serious emergencycan quickly tarnish the spotless reputation that abusiness has spent decades building

• Failure to recognize that some laws requirebusinesses to prepare contingency plans

An emergency is defined as a serious situation which is unan-ticipated and which demands immediate action. Once the situationis under control, it is no longer regarded as an emergency; butfollow-up and cleanup may take days or weeks, or even longer.

An Emergency Is a Situation Out of Control

Ashes and debris from abuilding lost to fire nearchemical storage tanks

Fleet vehicle that overturnedwhile hauling pesticides

Spill resulting from irresponsible transfer of chemicals

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Emergencies Can Be Large or Small

Some emergencies require professional assistance (police,firefighters, paramedics, environmental contractors) while othersmay be handled by properly trained company employees. Personalinjuries may range from minor cuts, treatable with a first aid kit, tomajor injuries from exposure to toxic chemicals, which may requirehospitalization.

Small fires often can be extin-guished with a portable fire extin-guisher, while larger ones requiretrained firefighters and possiblyemergency medical assistance.

Some spills can be controlled andcontained and the area cleaned,using spill kits kept on-site. It isimportant that all employees knowexactly where spill kits, fire extin-guishers, and first aid kits are stored.

A large, uncontained spill from aruptured thousand-gallon pesticidetank would likely require a trainedhazardous materials response teamto control the release, evacuate thearea, coordinate remedial measures, contain the spill, clean anddecontaminate the site, and dispose of contaminated waste.

Example of a Preventable Emergency

A driver who is behind schedule decides to inform the next customer while filling anapplication rig with pesticide and water. The hose is left running inside the tank while the driverwalks to the office to use the phone. While the driver is gone, the tank overflows, creating anemergency. Upon discovering the situation, the driver immediately shuts off the hose and containsthe spill. With the situation under control, the driver’s company must address its responsibility forthe proper handling/removal of any pesticide-contaminated soil at the spill site, and for appropri-ate actions to minimize or prevent ground water contamination resulting from the spill.

Responsible preplanning might prevent or minimize this type of emergency; that is, it shouldbe an ingrained company policy that drivers must remain with their rigs when filling the tank. Ifdrivers need to make any type of phone call, they must know to do so either before or after fillingthe tank—never during.

Work-site spill causedby broken hose

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Emergencies Can Be Anticipated

You can never completely eliminate the risk of accident or injury. However, preventive planning canreduce the likelihood of emergencies through

• the implementation of appropriate, everyday operational procedures;

• the identification of potential hazards; and

• the development of contingency plans.

Contingency plans can minimize the severity of an emergency and the extent to which business isdisrupted. A trained work force can minimize the immediate and long-term impact of fires, spills, andpesticide exposures. Good advance training equips employees to respond appropriately; and if theyknow exactly what to do, they are less likely to panic during an emergency.

Stated simply, the objective of preplanning is to be ready for emergencies. Management personneland employees should be trained on how to react in an emergency situation. Community responsepersonnel should be brought on-site and familiarized with the various chemicals stored there, their

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location on the property, and the actions recommended in case of a fire or spill, etc. Both companypersonnel and outside responders must understand what they need to do during an emergency tominimize injuries as well as adverse effects on public health, the environment, and the business itself.

Preplanning includes taking the time to resolve small problems as they occur. Don’t let a problemsnowball into something serious before addressing it. A sound problem-solving policy contributesgreatly to the overall professional success of the company.

This publication describes preventive strategies to assist companies that handle, store, and usepesticides in meeting health, safety, and environmental regulations. Implementing these strategies alsohelps

• protect company assets,

• safeguard employee health,

• reduce the potential for an emergency to impact surrounding communities and the environment,

• assure regulatory compliance, and

• promote professionalism and goodwill.

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Eemergency planning should not be viewed as an insur-mountable task, nor should it be viewed as just morepaperwork required by bureaucrats who have limited

familiarity with your business. An emergency can result in injury,environmental damage, financial loss, fines, and a damagedreputation for the business involved. But time invested inpreplanning for emergencies can pay large dividends.

If you are skeptical, just ask businesspersons who have experi-enced a warehouse fire, a chemical spill, or the serious injury ordeath of an employee. Ask them what they wish they had donedifferently. Those who were unprepared will wish they could turnback the clock and develop a contingency plan; they will wish theyhad verified specific insurance coverage and conducted in-depthemergency response employee training. Those who were preparedlikely will mention that they intend to implement changes to fine-tune what they had in place, such as upgrading an insurance policyor educating employees on a specific point.

The recommendations set forth in this publication represent theprofessional opinions of the authors and should guide you in settingup a functional emergency contingency plan for your business.Simply read each section and complete the assigned tasks, andyou will be well on your way to compliance with regulations perti-nent to chemical emergency situations.

Each headline in this publication is followed by a citation, inparentheses, to facilitate the reader in locating pertinent regulationsfor review. The acronym OSHA stands for the Occupational Safetyand Health Administration; CFR stands for Code of Federal Regula-tions. Various local, state, and federal agencies, as well as stateand national associations, can be contacted for copies of specificregulations in their entirety.

PREPLANNING FOR EMERGENCIESPREPLANNING FOR EMERGENCIESPREPLANNING FOR EMERGENCIESPREPLANNING FOR EMERGENCIESPREPLANNING FOR EMERGENCIES

Employers are required to identify potentially hazardousconditions in their workplace. This is important becauseeach facility is unique in its operations, the types of equip-

ment it uses, and the chemicals which it stores and applies.

The term workplace can include more than just the main base ofoperation. It includes off-site locations where any phase of thebusiness is conducted: places such as restaurants, hospitals,

WORKPLACE HAZARD ASSESSMENTWORKPLACE HAZARD ASSESSMENTWORKPLACE HAZARD ASSESSMENTWORKPLACE HAZARD ASSESSMENTWORKPLACE HAZARD ASSESSMENT(OSHA 29 CFR PART 1910.132)

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construction sites, farm fields, golf courses, and city par¡ks.Workplace hazards can exist at any of these locations.

Assessment procedures to identify problem areas shouldinvolve both management and employees; and particularattention should be devoted to details relating to materialshandled and work procedures followed.

A hazardous condition may exist due to

• handling a particular pesticide,

• performing a particular task such as welding, or

• entering a particular area such as a hospital where there ispotential to come into contact with blood.

Hazardous situations might include such activities as

• mixing concentrated pesticides,

• handling anhydrousammonia,

• cutting weeds with a stringweed trimmer, or

• working in a grain elevator.

Workplace hazards could alsoinclude working in proxim-ity to

• falling objects,

• projectiles,

• electrical or motorizedequipment,

• confined space,

• harmful dust, or

• extreme temperatures.

OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.132 states that “the employer shouldassess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or arelikely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protec-tive equipment.” Thus, all businesses are subject to this regulation.

A survey form for use as a guide in assessing workplacehazards can be quite useful. When developing such a form for youroperation, interview employees and identify the types of hazardsthey might encounter on the job: things like contact with chemicals,sharp objects, excessive heat, etc. Do not, however, delegatehazard assessment solely to employees; a good mix of manage-ment and employee personnel is more likely to yield recognition ofall potential hazards.

What Must Be Done to ComplyWhat Must Be Done to ComplyWhat Must Be Done to ComplyWhat Must Be Done to ComplyWhat Must Be Done to Complywith This Regulation?with This Regulation?with This Regulation?with This Regulation?with This Regulation?

Pesticide application rig being transported on atrailer. Notice 2.5-gallon pesticide containersplaced precariously near back of trailer wherethey could easily fall off and spill (above).The use of heavy machinery around power linesrequires skill and caution (above right).

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You must focus on the big picture when conducting a hazardassessment. Although a tendency to focus primarily on pesticideapplicators might seem reasonable due to the complexity of theirjobs, it would be shortsighted to limit the hazard assessmentprocess to applicators only.

Consider hazards present in maintenance shop and officeatmospheres. Give some thought to hazards that might be presentin the mechanics’ shop. Electrical, mechanical, and physicalhazards may exist in any of these locations.

You should also refer to documentation (OSHAinjury log and/or medical records) of previousworkplace injuries. Is there a repetition of injuries? Ifso, identify and correct specific conditions leading tothe recurring problem.

Although conducting an all-inclusive hazardassessment takes time, completion of the task willplace you in a much better position to anticipate andcontrol specific hazards in the workplace—and toprevent injuries.

The person who actually conducts the hazardassessment can see firsthand the relativity ofvarious workplace activities to hazardous situations.This observance, supplemented by employeeinterviews, can facilitate the identification of workpractices that could lead to serious injury.

Hazard assessments are needed also to evaluatea business’s level of compliance with current healthand safety policies and regulations, i.e., how wellthose already in place are actually being followed.Spot checks and regularly scheduled safety meet-ings are important in enforcing compliance.

Once hazards are identified, they should be engineered out ofthe work process or otherwise controlled, e.g., by changing jobprocedures to exclude them. The use of personal protectiveequipment always should be the last resort. Consideration firstshould be given to engineering controls and alternative job design;exceptions would be pesticide label requirements and the use ofspecific tools or devices specified by the owner’s manual forequipment in use.

Electrical wiring protrudingfrom its conduit and taped to“hang” instead of beinginstalled properly

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Your hazard assessment must be documented in writing(handwritten notes at a minimum). It must be documented as theCertification of Hazard Assessment, detailing all areas in-spected: pesticide storage room, mechanics’ shop, etc. Thecertification of hazard assessment also should bear the date ofinspection and the printed name, signature, and title of theinspector. An example of a certification of hazard assessmentappears on the following pages.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for anyonewho handles potentially hazardous chemicals or conducts hazard-ous tasks. Identify when, where, and under what circumstancesemployees and management personnel might be exposed, thenimplement—and enforce—a PPE program. Make sure anyone whohandles chemicals wears appropriate protective gear as requiredby the pesticide label and company policy. One or more of theseitems may be necessary: ear plugs, gloves, splash aprons, cover-alls, chemical resistant or steel-toed boots, face shields, hard hats,respirators, back supports, nonslip shoes, goggles.

Companies are required to make available to all workerswhatever protective equipment is required for handling the chemi-cals they use. An effective program details the PPE required (bythe pesticide label and company policy) for each task and includesregimented company training on its use. Employees must betaught to always wear protective gear and to wear it properly; andmanagement personnel should monitor them to make sure thatthey do.

Documenting the Assessment

Personal Protective Equipment Selection

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This is to certify that an inspection of company premises, vehicles, and application equipment has been

conducted to assess hazards associated with this firm:

The inspection addressed potential job site hazards, as well.

CERTIFICATION OF HAZARD ASSESSMENTCERTIFICATION OF HAZARD ASSESSMENTCERTIFICATION OF HAZARD ASSESSMENTCERTIFICATION OF HAZARD ASSESSMENTCERTIFICATION OF HAZARD ASSESSMENTCERTIFICATION OF HAZARD ASSESSMENTCERTIFICATION OF HAZARD ASSESSMENTCERTIFICATION OF HAZARD ASSESSMENTCERTIFICATION OF HAZARD ASSESSMENTCERTIFICATION OF HAZARD ASSESSMENT

OSHA CFR 29 1910.132OSHA CFR 29 1910.132OSHA CFR 29 1910.132OSHA CFR 29 1910.132OSHA CFR 29 1910.132

Date of Assessment

Location/Address

Department(s) Assessed

Name

PERSON(S) INTERVIEWED:PERSON(S) INTERVIEWED:PERSON(S) INTERVIEWED:PERSON(S) INTERVIEWED:PERSON(S) INTERVIEWED:

ASSESSOR:ASSESSOR:ASSESSOR:ASSESSOR:ASSESSOR:

Name (Please Print)

Signature

TYPE OF INSPECTION:TYPE OF INSPECTION:TYPE OF INSPECTION:TYPE OF INSPECTION:TYPE OF INSPECTION:

Name

Name

Name

NUMBER OF PAGES IN THIS REPORT:NUMBER OF PAGES IN THIS REPORT:NUMBER OF PAGES IN THIS REPORT:NUMBER OF PAGES IN THIS REPORT:NUMBER OF PAGES IN THIS REPORT:

INCLUSIONS IN THIS REPORT:INCLUSIONS IN THIS REPORT:INCLUSIONS IN THIS REPORT:INCLUSIONS IN THIS REPORT:INCLUSIONS IN THIS REPORT:

Written Notes

LOCATION OF PREVIOUS ASSESSMENT REPORTS:LOCATION OF PREVIOUS ASSESSMENT REPORTS:LOCATION OF PREVIOUS ASSESSMENT REPORTS:LOCATION OF PREVIOUS ASSESSMENT REPORTS:LOCATION OF PREVIOUS ASSESSMENT REPORTS:

Facility Assessed

Initial Follow-up

Title

Title

Title

Title

Title

Audio Still PhotographsVideo None

On-site Corporate Headquarters

Name of Company

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Consideration has been given to each of the basic hazard categories outlined in Appendix B, 29 CFRPart 1910.132. Listed below, for each category, are specifics on hazards observed and a description ofthe location of each.

1. Impact Sources (e.g., vehicles, moving machinery, grinders, forklifts, hammers, ormovement of personnel that could result in collision with stationary objects)

2. Penetration Sources (e.g., sharp objects which might pierce feet or cut hands; lawn debris;lawn mower blades; sharp edges or corners on equipment)

3. Compression Sources (e.g., high pressure compressed air; rolling or pinching objectswhich could crush; pneumatic or hydraulic mechanisms/equipment)

4. Chemical Sources (e.g., pesticides, paints, fuels, solvents, hydraulic fluids)

5. High Temperature Sources (e.g., welding torches; vehicle cooling systems; exhaustmufflers)

6. Low Temperature Sources (e.g., high wind chill, propane, anhydrous ammonia)

HAZARD EVALUATIONSHAZARD EVALUATIONSHAZARD EVALUATIONSHAZARD EVALUATIONSHAZARD EVALUATIONS

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7. Dust Sources (e.g., grain bins, crawl spaces, basements, attics, fertilizer dust, dust fromgranular trace elements, silica sand from sand blasting, dry flowable and dry powderpesticides)

8. Light Radiation Sources (e.g., welders)

9. Steam (e.g., steam cleaners, vehicle and machinery cooling systems)

10. Noise (e.g., grinders, saws, small engines, loaders and other heavy machinery, highwaynoise)

11. Electrical Sources (e.g., exposed wiring, ungrounded wiring, damaged cords)

12. Other Sources (e.g., atmospheric conditions, confined space, bloodborne pathogens)

HAZARD EVALUATIONSHAZARD EVALUATIONSHAZARD EVALUATIONSHAZARD EVALUATIONSHAZARD EVALUATIONS

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WORKPLACE CHANGES TO REMOVE HAZARDSWORKPLACE CHANGES TO REMOVE HAZARDSWORKPLACE CHANGES TO REMOVE HAZARDSWORKPLACE CHANGES TO REMOVE HAZARDSWORKPLACE CHANGES TO REMOVE HAZARDS

The company, through internal review and discussion with employees, has agreed to introduce into theworkplace the procedures checked below.

PESTICIDESPESTICIDESPESTICIDESPESTICIDESPESTICIDES

❐ Treatment options that do not require the use of pesticides will be given first consideration.

❐ If a pesticide application is necessary, general use products will be given preference over those labeledfor restricted use, thereby reducing risk potential.

Whenever possible, we will select products

❐ that have the signal word CAUTION instead of WARNING or DANGER;

❐ that are packaged to reduce the risk of exposure or spillage;

❐ for which material safety data sheets do not indicate long-term health effects;

❐ that do not require users to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).(But if products requiring PPE are selected, we will train all designated pesticide users on PPErequirements as stated on the label.)

We will

❐ designate certain individuals to handle pesticides;

❐ train designated pesticide handlers on the specifics of handling, mixing, and applying the products theyuse;

❐ supplement training by providing pertinent literature (e.g., product labels, MSDSs, hazardcommunication plan);

❐ maintain proper storage of chemicals in inventory;

❐ ensure good ventilation in pesticide mixing, loading, and storage areas;

❐ provide proper secondary containment in mixing, loading, and storage areas;

❐ train personnel on proper personal hygiene and decontamination procedures (washing hands,laundering clothing, etc.);

❐ enforce good housekeeping practices to reduce workplace exposure and accidents.

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MAINTENANCE SHOPMAINTENANCE SHOPMAINTENANCE SHOPMAINTENANCE SHOPMAINTENANCE SHOP

❐ Access to the maintenance shop shall be restricted to authorized personnel only.

❐ All equipment shall have safety guards, as appropriate.

❐ OSHA’s lockout/tagout program will be enforced.

❐ Store oils, solvents, paints, and other flammable materials away from welding, cutting, andgrinding areas and away from pilot lights.

❐ Good lighting, ventilation, and ultraviolet screens will be provided in welding and cutting areas.

❐ Good ventilation and proper PPE will be provided in the battery charging area.

❐ Control of drains in shop floors will be verified.

❐ Mechanics will be made aware of pesticides used and the PPE and/or cleaning practicesrequired when working on pesticide application equipment. Mechanics also will be informed ofproducts that are volatile or flammable and warned that all pesticides are potentiallypoisonous.

GENERAL EMPLOYEESGENERAL EMPLOYEESGENERAL EMPLOYEESGENERAL EMPLOYEESGENERAL EMPLOYEES

❐ All full- and part-time employees will be made aware of potential hazards in the workplace.

❐ Employees will be trained how to lift heavy objects to prevent back injuries.

❐ Training in forklift (required by OSHA) and loader operations will include instructions to lower loadswhenever possible; to use caution in proceeding up and down ramps; to use slow to moderate speeds;and to stay alert when turning corners and when backing up.

❐ Training and proper fall-protection equipment will be provided for employees working off the ground onsuch apparatus as storage tanks, roofs, rail cars, and tanker trucks.

❐ Handling and storage areas for liquids will be kept clear of standing water and product contamination toprevent personal injury.

VEHICLESVEHICLESVEHICLESVEHICLESVEHICLES

❐ All company vehicles will be properly maintained and serviced.

❐ Employees will receive training on safe driving techniques.

❐ All employees will wear seat belts when operating company vehicles.

❐ Vehicles will transport chemicals only in small quantities.

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PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT EVALUATIONSPERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT EVALUATIONSPERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT EVALUATIONSPERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT EVALUATIONSPERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT EVALUATIONS

In recognition that not all potential hazards can be eliminated through engineering, the use of PPE will

be enforced to safeguard employees. All workers with exposure potential—not only to chemicals, but to

all workplace hazards—are required to wear appropriate personal safety equipment. Each employee

will be instructed to wear safety equipment relative to their job assignment as determined by the type,

level of risk, and injury potential from hazards that they might encounter in the workplace. We will

enforce the use of personal safety equipment as indicated in the following table.

Hazard CategoryHazard CategoryHazard CategoryHazard CategoryHazard Category Specific HazardSpecific HazardSpecific HazardSpecific HazardSpecific Hazard PPE/Practices RequiredPPE/Practices RequiredPPE/Practices RequiredPPE/Practices RequiredPPE/Practices Required

Impact Drill Press Safety glasses or full-face shield

EMPLOYEE EDUCATIONEMPLOYEE EDUCATIONEMPLOYEE EDUCATIONEMPLOYEE EDUCATIONEMPLOYEE EDUCATION

All employees will be trained on the proper use and maintenance of safety equipment. Training programs

will be documented by a Certificate of Training.

Chemical Pesticides Gloves and goggles for allpesticides, plus any additional

requirements as stated on the label

Penetration Grass Trimmers Safety goggles and work shoes

Other Bloodborne Pathogens Gloves; mouthpiece for CPR

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OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 Certificate of TrainingOSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 Certificate of TrainingOSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 Certificate of TrainingOSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 Certificate of TrainingOSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 Certificate of Training

Name of Company

Street Address

City, State, Zip Code

Training Location Date

Program AgendaProgram AgendaProgram AgendaProgram AgendaProgram Agenda SpeakerSpeakerSpeakerSpeakerSpeaker

What Jobs Require PPE?

What PPE Is Necessary?

What Are PPE Limitations?

How to Fit and Wear PPE

How to Dispose of PPE

Company Policies on PPE

Major Points CoveredMajor Points CoveredMajor Points CoveredMajor Points CoveredMajor Points Covered

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Employees TrainedEmployees TrainedEmployees TrainedEmployees TrainedEmployees Trained

Printed NamePrinted NamePrinted NamePrinted NamePrinted Name SignatureSignatureSignatureSignatureSignature

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 Certificate of TrainingOSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 Certificate of TrainingOSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 Certificate of TrainingOSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 Certificate of TrainingOSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 Certificate of Training

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RecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendations

Recommendation 1Recommendation 1Recommendation 1Recommendation 1Recommendation 1Seek input from your employees; they may

shed light on physical and chemical jobhazards unique to their everyday routine—things that you might otherwise overlook.Their involvement in the development ofthe PPE program will make it their own,in a sense, and will enhance theirappreciation for its importance.

Recommendation 2Assess workplace hazards at least

on an annual basis—more frequently, ifpossible. At a minimum, reassessment isappropriate as new chemicals are added toinventory and as new hazards are recognizedor introduced into the workplace. Sometimeschemical hazards can be diminished or eliminatedby selecting a different formulation or product, or byimplementing new handling procedures.

Recommendation 3Identify and execute practices that can be modified to eliminate

hazards noted during the assessment process; and document allchanges.

Recommendation 4Retain for as long as you own or manage the business all documen-

tation—written notes as well as audio and video tapes recorded duringthe hazard assessment process—as an official record of each assess-ment performed. Be sure to label each record with the date and thename of the person logging the documentation. Keep copies both on-and off-site.

Recommendation 5The type of contaminant and the anticipated level of exposure

directly influence the selection of PPE, so seek professional advice asto which equipment best meets your specific needs. Such informationis available in PPE catalogs or through product manufacturers.

Recommendation 6Train employees explicitly on how to use PPE and how to maintain

it properly.

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Recommendation 8Issue employees their own set of PPE, and have them sign for

it. Keep a dated record of exactly what was issued, and stress thatthey alone are to use the equipment. Experience has shown thatemployees take better care of equipment issued to them,personally. Check all safety equipment regularly, and replace it asnecessary.

Allowing a fire to spread from its source can increase itsseriousness. For instance, a fire that spreads to a pesticidestorage room may produce deadly toxic vapors, creating the

need to evacuate the community. Therefore, it is important topreplan:

• Train all employees to use portable fire extinguishers.

• Invite local fire department personnel to survey your facility toacquaint themselves with what is stored there and the preciselocation of chemical inventory.

• Conduct a mock emergency, on-site.

Water used to fight a chemical fire should be contained; after-ward, you will likely have to deal with environmental contaminationand regulatory oversight of remediation, as well as insuranceclaims. But remember: Such problems often can be avoided simplyby training employees to operate portable fire extinguishers!Provide your employees the training they need, and make themaware that extinguishers can be effective in putting out initial-stagefires.

Protecting your business against fires involves more than simplymounting fire extinguishers throughout the building.

PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERSPORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERSPORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERSPORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERSPORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS(OSHA, 29 CFR PART 1910.157)

Recommendation 7Contact your local county extension educator or Purdue Pesti-

cide Programs for one free copy of publications with informationrelevant to health and safety programs:

• For information on hazard communication, ask for Pesticidesand Material Safety Data Sheets (PPP-37).

• For information on personal protective equipment, ask forPesticides and Personal Protective Equipment (PPP-38).

http://www.btny.purdue.edu/Pubs/PPP/PPP-37.pdf


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Fire extinguishers contain only enough fire suppressant materialto deal with a small fire; the contents last only for a matter ofseconds. Improper discharge can waste the contents, diminishingany hope of putting out a small fire. Therefore, it is crucial to trainyour employees and post visible instructions on how to use a fireextinguisher. Check with your local fire department or an extin-guisher company to help with or conduct such training.


OSHA does not require extinguishers to be placed in a building,nor are they required in vehicles unless they are required underDepartment of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Employers whopreplan to evacuate their facility in case of fire need not trainemployees on the use of extinguishers as long as there are noneon-site. Instead, obviously, employees should be trained to vacatethe building at the first indication of fire.

If you preplan to evacuate and prefer not to install fire extin-guishers, first check your insurance company’s requirements andthe local fire code; either of these might mandate extinguishersdespite your plan to evacuate. And be aware that, even if youpreplan to evacuate, if there are fire extinguishers on the premises,OSHA regulates their inspection and maintenance and requiresthat employees be trained to use them properly. In essence, theirpresence triggers the need for compliance under OSHA.

If fire extinguishers are to be installed, choose models recom-mended for the specific type of fire most likely to occur on thepremises. Every fire extinguisher has a class designation thatcommunicates the type of fire that it is designated to suppress. It iscritical that you purchase the right class. Using the wrong extin-guishers on a fire may worsen the problem.

OSHA regulations state that fire extinguishers must be locatedwithin a certain distance from employees:

• No more than 50 feet for Class B extinguishers (page 24)• No more than 75 feet for Class A, C, or D (page 24)Also, extinguishers must be installed at certain heights and

certain distances from exits. Check local fire codes or call yourlocal fire department for those criteria.

Employers are required to visually inspect each extinguisher,monthly, to ensure that it is fully charged and sealed, properlymounted, and accessible without obstruction.

More sophisticated, annual inspections are required for refillableand rechargeable extinguishers. These inspections should beperformed by a commercial fire extinguisher company representa-tive. Refer to CFR 29 Part 1910.157, Table L-1, or consult with afire extinguisher service for more information.

Employers are responsible for providing employee training onbasic firefighting techniques. All employees who might need to usea fire extinguisher must be trained upon hiring or upon initialinstallation of extinguishers, and annually thereafter. Employees

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Class Use Approved Markings

Designation Specifications on Fire Extinguisher

Fire Extinguisher Recommendations

A Ordinary combustion Green triangle(paper, wood, cloth) with an A inside

B Flammable and Red squarecombustible liquids with a B inside

C Electrical Blue circlewith a C inside

D Combustible metals Yellow 5-pointed starwith a D inside

A-B-C Multipurpose A-B-C markings, as above

battling a small fire must be trained to recognize when it is beyondtheir control. Local fire departments and commercial fire safetycompanies often provide excellent training. In some communities,local universities or trade schools also may offer fire safety training.

Recommendation 1Hire a company that specializes in fire extinguisher sales,

service, and training. Make sure training is tailored to chemicalsthat might be present.

Recommendation 2Conduct annual, hands-on training

where each employee has the opportu-nity to handle and use a fire extinguisher.

Advise your local fire department, whenplanning training, to see if a burn permit isrequired. There are many excellent fireextinguisher videos currently on the marketwhich can be shown to complement—notreplace—face-to-face training.

One teaching method often used byprofessional trainers is to have the employ-ees remember the word PASS:• P stands for “Pull the pin.”• A stands for “Aim the extinguisher nozzle

at the base of the fire.”• S stands for “Squeeze the handle.”• S stands for “Sweep the hose from side-

to-side at the base of the fire.”


25

Answer the following in regard to your business...

Example of cluttered path to fire extinguisher

Fire extinguisher sitting in water on the floor

❐ Do you have the correct type of fire extinguisher for the materials that you store or transport?

❐ Do you have an appropriate number of fire extinguishers for the size of your facility?

❐ Are extinguishers placed according to OSHA distance requirements?

❐ Do you verify the following information during your monthly inspections?

❐ Extinguishers are in their designated areas.

❐ Each extinguisher is easily identifiable.

❐ There is a clear path to each extinguisher.

❐ Each extinguisher is properly mounted (e.g., not

sitting on floor).

❐ Each extinguisher gauge indicates a full charge.

Recommendation 3Verify all training with employees’ signatures.

Recommendation 4Although current OSHA regulations do not specify the height at

which fire extinguishers are to be mounted, general guidelinesprescribe placement of extinguishers in locations that are easy tosee and easy to get to. Fire extinguishers weighing less than 40pounds should be placed no more than 5 feet off the floor; andthose that weigh more than 40 pounds should not be placed higherthan 3.5 feet off the ground.

❐ The plastic seal is intact on each extinguisher.

❐ All extinguisher tags and pins are in place.

❐ All extinguisher hoses are intact (not cracked,

dry rotted, or plugged).

❐ All extinguisher pieces are

present and functional.

❐ Are all previous monthly inspec-

tions documented?

❐ Are all extinguishers professionally

evaluated once a year?

❐ Are monthly inspection and annual

maintenance records maintained for

a minimum of one year?

❐ Have all employees who might use

a fire extinguisher been verifiably

trained or instructed?

❐ Are all employees who might use a

fire extinguisher retrained annually?

26

Recommendation 5If extinguishers are not readily visible, post FIRE EXTINGUISHER

signs that clearly identify the location of each unit so that employ-ees can find them easily.

Recommendation 6Many companies select A-B-C, multipurpose extinguishers. But

you should consult a professional choosing the most appropriatesize and type of extinguisher for your business.

Recommendation 7Instruct employees to call for help and verify that it is on the way

before attempting to fight any fire; otherwise, they may becometrapped by the fire, with no help on the way. Employees should betaught not to attempt to fight a fire larger than what might becontrolled by discharging one or (at worst) two fire extinguishers.

Recommendation 8Always use the buddy system. Never respond to a fire, alone,

because smoke and vapors can quickly overcome a responder.

Recommendation 9Ask your local fire department to conduct an inspection and

consider their input as to fire potential at your facility. Such inspec-tions also allow fire departments the opportunity to do somepreplanning of their own.

Recommendation 10Cover extinguishers located in dusty and/or corrosive environ-

ments, but make sure they remain visible. Consider using a clearplastic bag with plastic ties.

Recommendation 11Consider using the check sheet on page 28.

Recommendation 12Install 10 pound, B–C fire extinguishers in all vehicles that meet

the definition of “commercial motor vehicle” as defined by the stateor federal department of transportation (whichever is stricter).

Recommendation 13Contact your local fire department or insurance company for

help with selection and distribution of extinguishers.

27

Fire in a pest control business is always a concern to management, employees, and thecommunity. We have adopted an Emergency Response Plan that will be activated in theevent of a fire or other emergency situations; and we have taken steps to train ouremployees in the safe handling of chemicals, both on and off company property.

Heat is one of the best ways of breaking down hazardous materials; therefore, we ask thatyou support our LET-IT-BURN POLICY under the following circumstances:

• When the situation is deemed out of control and the use of water couldcreate additional hazards

• When the use of water could increase airborne contamination• When the use of water could adversely affect off-site properties

In recognition that environmental impairment is detrimental to society and must be held toa minimum, we request that the FIRE DEPARTMENT acknowledge certain conditionswhich favor letting a facility burn.

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Company Name (printed)

Company Official

Name of Fire Department

(Name of Company Representative)

(Name of Company Representative)

prefers that the fire department apply only the

smallest quantity of water necessary to prevent additional hazards.

resolves to exclude the emergency agency from

liability for situations that might arise from permitting the facility to incinerate. Our respective

insurance companies are aware of this policy.

LET-IT-BURN POLICYLET-IT-BURN POLICYLET-IT-BURN POLICYLET-IT-BURN POLICYLET-IT-BURN POLICY

28

Monthly Safety InspectionsMonthly Safety InspectionsMonthly Safety InspectionsMonthly Safety InspectionsMonthly Safety Inspections

Fire Extinguishers ................................................................Fire Extinguishers ................................................................Fire Extinguishers ................................................................Fire Extinguishers ................................................................Fire Extinguishers ................................................................

Fire Extinguishers Fire Extinguishers Fire Extinguishers Fire Extinguishers Fire Extinguishers ••••• Exit SignsExit SignsExit SignsExit SignsExit Signs ••••• First Aid KitsFirst Aid KitsFirst Aid KitsFirst Aid KitsFirst Aid Kits

Date of Inspection Name of Person Conducting the Inspection

Extinguishers Located at the Facility Extinguishers Located in Vehicles

Extinguisher Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Size of each extinguisherType of each extinguisherIs each extinguisher...

...location indicated onevacuation/site maps?

...in its assignedlocation?

...locatable with signs?

...easily accessible?

...properly mounted?

...fully charged?

...in good condition?Are plastic seals intact?Are all pieces present?

Exit Signs .............................................................................Exit Signs .............................................................................Exit Signs .............................................................................Exit Signs .............................................................................Exit Signs .............................................................................

Exit Sign Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Is each exit sign present?Are letters at least

6 inches high?Are the bulbs in lighted

signs functional?Are exit doors free of

obstructions?Are doors that are not exits

marked “NOT AN EXIT”?


Purdue Pesticide ProgramsPurdue Pesticide ProgramsPurdue Pesticide ProgramsPurdue Pesticide ProgramsPurdue Pesticide ProgramsPurdue University Cooperative Extension ServicePurdue University Cooperative Extension ServicePurdue University Cooperative Extension ServicePurdue University Cooperative Extension ServicePurdue University Cooperative Extension Service

29

First Aid KitsFirst Aid KitsFirst Aid KitsFirst Aid KitsFirst Aid Kits ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................


First Aid Kits Located at the Facility First Aid Kits Located in VehiclesFirst Aid KitNumber 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Is each first aid kit......location indicated

on the evacuationand site maps?

...in its assignedlocation?

...easily identifiable?

...easily accessible?

...mounted on the wall(indoors) or in itsassigned vehicle?

...clean and in goodcondition?

...labeled with thename of an em-ployee assigned toadminister first aid?

Are the contentscomplete?

Is there an ample supplyof all contents?

Are all expiration datescurrent?

If a bloodborne hazardkit, is stickerattached?

Does the kit containprotective glovesand eyewear?

Is there a CPR maskand check valve inthe kit or nearby?

Topic Fire Extinguishers Exit Signs First Aid Kits

Date of Correction

Name of Person WhoMade the Correction

30

First aid is the initial action taken to stabilize an injury orillness (i.e., to prevent it from becoming worse) until thevictim can be treated by a qualified medical professional.

But, unfortunately, some injuries can be made worse by inappropri-ate first aid administered by well-meaning but unqualified individu-als.

You should not expect an untrained employee to aid an injuredcoworker. First aid training, including information on bloodbornepathogens, is essential. OSHA requires the availability of first aidkits suitable for hazards most likely to occur in a given workplace,but it requires certified first aid personnel only if there are no localmedical services within three minutes of the site. First aid trainingshould be conducted at least every two years; CPR training shouldbe repeated annually.

FIRST AID KITS


❐ Do you have at least one qualified employee on each shift available toadminister first aid and CPR?

❐ Can you verify the training of employees assigned to respond to aninjury?

❐ Are first aid kits inspected at least monthly and contents replenished (orreplaced) as needed?

❐ Do first aid kits contain bloodborne pathogen safety equipment?

❐ If your business handles corrosive materials, do you have a specificarea where the eyes can be flushed or the body showered for a mini-mum of 15 minutes?

❐ Are the names of designated, company-trained first responders postedon all first aid kits?

First aid kits are required. The person administering first aidmust be educated on proper techniques and must have supplies todeal with cuts, bruises, and other injuries that are likely to occur. Acertified first aid person is required only when emergency respond-ers are more than three minutes away.

Consider the following...

(OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.151)

31

Recommendation 1Purchase medical kits that contain the

appropriate supplies in sufficient quantitiesto deal with the type of emergency thatmight occur in your business; make surethere are ample supplies to treatmultiple victims if necessary. Beforepurchasing the kits, seek the advice ofa doctor who specializes in occupa-tional medicine; if buying the kits froma safety supply house, ask what theyrecommend for your specific situation.


Recommendation 2If your business is not in close proximity

to a hospital, contact the American Red Crossor the National Safety Council for first aid and CPRtraining. Being trained to administer first aid to an ill orinjured worker or customer might make a major difference in thatperson’s prognosis.

Recommendation 3Train all full-time employees to administer basic first aid; if

possible, train temporary and part-time employees as well.

Recommendation 4Invite local emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to

visit your facility. Building a relationship and educating thesefront-line responders will ease their fears and help to dispel anymisunderstandings they may have regarding your business andthe pesticide application industry in general. Go over in detail thesteps that you take to prevent contamination and to make surethat products are handled and applied according to label direc-tions. Discuss appropriate victim decontamination proceduresthat emergency personnel should follow in case of human injury.

Recommendation 5Document that first aid kits are inspected monthly. Consider

using the check sheet on page 29, or develop your own. A goodapproach is to inspect medical kits at the time that the fire extin-guishers are being checked.

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Recommendation 6Affix to all first aid kits a sticker outlining procedures to follow

when dealing with an injury where the victim is bleeding.

Recommendation 7Whenever a first aid kit is used, immediately replace the items

used to treat the injury. And, while you’re at it, check to make surethat product expiration dates are current on all contents.

Recommendation 8Remove all oral medication—even aspirin—from first aid kits;

any decision to use such products should be left up to the physi-cian and the victim.

Recommendation 9Inform your local hospital or emergency training center if you

deal with pesticides that would require special handling of accidentvictims to minimize medical staff exposure.

Recommendation 10If you have a company policy that no first aid is to be adminis-

tered by one employee to another, make sure it is understood thatthe injured person should at least be provided a first aid kit. If theinjured individual is unable to deal with the injury, personally,arrange for medical assistance.

Recommendation 11Mount medical kits properly and in a clean environment; this

applies to vehicles as well as offices, warehouses, workshops, etc.Consider covering first aid kits with a clear plastic bag to protectthem from dust and dirt.

Recommendation 12Give employees who work with chemicals a small, unbreakable

bottle of water to carry with them to flush their eyes in the event ofexposure.

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Diseases spread by bloodborne pathogens (e.g., AIDSand hepatitis viruses) can cause lifelong debilitationand sometimes can be life threatening. Transmission

occurs when an individual comes into contact with body fluids of aperson harboring a bloodborne disease. Although transmission ofthe disease between two people can occur during a split secondexposure, the manifestation of symptoms in the newly infectedperson may not occur for decades.

Transmission of these diseases in the workplace can occurwhen a worker aids a coworker who is bleeding from an injury onthe job. Although it is obviously important to provide first aid, it isequally important that those administering it be aware of the risk ofinfection by bloodborne pathogens and that they take steps toprotect themselves. And it should be noted that, despite theirname, bloodborne pathogens are present in other human fluids inaddition to blood: saliva, tears, etc.

In addition to implementing a medical surveillance program totrack levels of harmful substances in employees’ blood (e.g.,cholinesterase testing of employees who use organophosphates)employers must follow universal precautions and requirementsunder bloodborne pathogen regulations.

Consider this hypothetical situation: A truck driver suffers asevere heart attack while unloading bulk pesticides at your facility.A nearby employee determines that the driver is not breathing andimmediately begins mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, bringing himselfinto direct contact with the driver’s saliva. His quick actions maysave the driver’s life, but at what risk to himself? What if the truckdriver is harboring a bloodborne pathogen? The heroic act thatsaves a life, today, may yield catastrophic consequences to thehero, tomorrow; symptoms of bloodborne diseases might notbecome apparent for decades after initial contact.

So the critical question is this: How can we encourage ouremployees to respond to injured coworkers and at the same timeprotect themselves from bloodborne pathogens?


The rule says that “each employer having an employee(s) withoccupational exposure as defined by paragraph (b) of this sectionestablish a written Exposure Control Plan designed to eliminate orminimize employee exposure.” Occupational exposure is defined in

BLOODBORNE PATHOGENSBLOODBORNE PATHOGENSBLOODBORNE PATHOGENSBLOODBORNE PATHOGENSBLOODBORNE PATHOGENS(OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1030)

34

paragraph (b) as “reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucousmembrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentiallyinfectious materials that may result from the performance of anemployee’s duties.” Using this definition, we believe that all pestcontrol businesses must comply with the bloodborne pathogenregulation.

It is the intent of the OSHA bloodborne pathogen regulation tocompel employers to evaluate each job to determine whether theemployee performing it could potentially come into contact withanother person’s blood or other body fluids in an emergencysituation. If so, employers are required to develop a bloodbornepathogen plan: a detailed outline stating the company’s policies onsafeguarding employees who may come to the aid of others whobecome injured on the job.

Recommendation 1Conduct bloodborne pathogen

training for all employees who areexpected to administer first aid andCPR. Conduct awareness training for allothers. Recent OSHA guidelines requiretraining to include interaction with an

individual who is knowledgeable onbloodborne pathogens and competent to

answer pertinent questions.

Recommendation 3Use employees trained in first aid, CPR, and bloodborne

pathogens as trainers for other employees only if they arequalified to train. Additional training normally is required tobecome a certified instructor.


Recommendation 2Train all employees—custodial, field, office, part-

time, and managerial staff—on bloodborne pathogens becausemost would react to a work-related accident by assisting theinjured.

35

Recommendation 4Post on first aid kits the name, the phone number and exten-

sion, and the department of employees designated and trained toadminister medical assistance.

Recommendation 5Keep the original written plan as an official business record; it is

important that it state the implementation date. If the written planmandates training, itemize the training provided and include a list ofnames and signatures of employees who have completed thetraining. There can be an extended delay between the date ofexposure/infection and the date that symptoms manifest them-selves. Therefore, the list might become a very important record atsome future date, e.g., if an employee were to sue a company fornegligence concerning its training policies. The plan should bereviewed and the training repeated annually. Employees shouldsign updated lists annually, as well.

Recommendation 7Have employees sign a form stating that they have read and

understand the plan.

Recommendation 6Keep the most current written plan where it is readily accessible

to every employee, and verify that all employees are knowledge-able of its content.

Recommendation 8Document every incident where an employee performs first aid

or CPR; indicate the name of the victim as well as the name of theperson offering assistance. Complete an exposure record for theindividual offering first aid, describing the incident in detail. Ifmedical records result, OSHA requires that they be kept for 30years.

Recommendation 9Make sure that the first aid kit contains rubber gloves, splash

shields, goggles, and CPR mouthpieces suitable for dealing withinjuries involving blood or other body fluids.

36

Recommendation 10Instruct employees not to eat, drink, or smoke during a

bloodborne pathogen incident.

Recommendation 11Consider using the model plan (below) when writing your own

bloodborne pathogen plan.

Recommendation 12If your company has a policy whereby employees are not to

administer first aid to injured coworkers, make sure they at leastknow to provide first aid kits to injured individuals. If the injuredcannot administer their own first aid, they should go (or be taken) toa medical facility for treatment.

Sample Job Classifications

Preface to Bloodborne PathogenPreface to Bloodborne PathogenPreface to Bloodborne PathogenPreface to Bloodborne PathogenPreface to Bloodborne PathogenExposure Control PlanExposure Control PlanExposure Control PlanExposure Control PlanExposure Control Plan

The following (sample) bloodborne pathogen exposure control plan is offered as a guide for use in writingyour own. Below are some sample job classifications that you may use in identifying jobs within your companythat may bring employees into contact with blood or other body fluids.

• Service • Clerical • Management • Custodial

Technician Secretary Supervisors Buildings

Dispatcher Clerk Managers Grounds

Receptionist

37

Purpose and CompliancePurpose and CompliancePurpose and CompliancePurpose and CompliancePurpose and ComplianceThe purpose of our Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan is to educate our employees on recog-

nizing and implementing safeguards to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. The plan, writtenin compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard(OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030), is an important addition to other company policies that deal with occupationaland safety issues.

Name of Company

BLOODBORNE PATHOGENBLOODBORNE PATHOGENBLOODBORNE PATHOGENBLOODBORNE PATHOGENBLOODBORNE PATHOGENEXPOSURE CONTROL PLANEXPOSURE CONTROL PLANEXPOSURE CONTROL PLANEXPOSURE CONTROL PLANEXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN

Determination of ExposureDetermination of ExposureDetermination of ExposureDetermination of ExposureDetermination of ExposureOSHA requires that employers identify jobs that may bring employees into contact with blood or other

body fluids. Management personnel, in consultation with employees, have concluded that the job classifica-tions listed below could potentially include occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The determina-tion was made without regard to the use of personal protective equipment or to the likelihood of exposurebeing great or small. Employees holding these jobs are required to attend bloodborne pathogen training as acondition of employment.

Job Classification Person to be Trained

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38

Company PolicyCompany PolicyCompany PolicyCompany PolicyCompany Policy

Components of ImplementationComponents of ImplementationComponents of ImplementationComponents of ImplementationComponents of Implementation

Designated PersonnelAt this facility, only the following individuals are trained to administer first aid. Their names are posted on

all first aid kits. As a preventive measure, they have the option of receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine at no cost.

GeneralContact with someone else’s blood or other body fluids carries the risk of pathogen transmission; so it is

imperative that all employees follow company protocol, precisely, when dealing with an injured person orcontaminated objects.

We do not mandate testing for bloodborne pathogens as a condition of employment, nor are employeesrandomly screened when hired or thereafter. Instead, as a precautionary measure and universal precaution,the company operates under the hypothetical assumption that everyone is infected. This precautionary stanceassures maximum protection of all employees through policies and guidelines enforced by management.Compliance with the following company policies is mandatory.

• Only persons trained in first aid response are to administer care to an injured person. However, in uniqueemergency situations where there is no trained employee available, untrained personnel may offer minimalassistance pending the arrival of emergency responders.

• Employees are to consider themselves at risk when providing assistance to an injured person. Thepresence of blood or other body fluids on victims, on their clothing, or in the surrounding area is cause forheightened concern on the part of the responder.

• Each employee must wear appropriate personal protective equipment when dealing with an emergencysituation. Company first aid kits contain protective gloves, eyewear, and a shield for mouth-to-mouth resusci-tation.

• Responding employees who come into contact with blood or body fluids other than their own must reportthe situation to their supervisor. A mandatory physical examination will follow.

• Clothing, towels, etc., that have come into contact with body fluids must be stored in a clearly-markedbiohazard container, pending proper disposal.

• Employees are not to perform cleanup procedures involving blood or other body fluids without specificapproval from management; company-prescribed procedures must be followed.

38

39

• Wear a mask with solid side shields or a chin-length face shield whenever there is potential for eye,nasal, or oral contact with someone else’s blood or other body fluids.

• Never perform mouth-to-mouth CPR without using a pocket mask.

• Wash hands, arms, and face with soap and water immediately after assisting injured parties.

• Store cosmetics and contact lenses away from areas where there is potential for bloodborne pathogenexposure.

• Do not share food and beverages with other employees, and store these items separately to preventcross-contamination. Disposable paper cups are provided at drinking fountains and in service vehicles.

• Wear single-use rubber gloves when handling objects that are contaminated—or possibly contami-nated—with blood or other body fluids.

• Wear single-use, disposable gloves when handling contaminated clothing. All contaminated clothing, aswell as contaminated objects such as disposable gloves and paper towels, must be placed in the containermarked BIOHAZARD. The biohazard container is located in the main office. Tape is available there, as well, fortaping the lid to prevent easy access; the container is to be opened by authorized personnel only. The tapedbiohazard container must be given directly to the manager or supervisor for proper disposal.

• Stay away from or vacate the scene of any emergency unless you are a first aid responder. The man-ager or designated company representative will limit access by individuals other than first aid responders; andthey will post employees around the perimeter to redirect traffic, etc.

• Do not clean areas/objects contaminated with blood or other body fluids unless you are appropriatelytrained to do so. The company assigns trained employees to decontaminate machinery, floors, walls, etc., orhires an outside decontamination contractor, depending on the situation.

• Do not eat, drink, or smoke during cleanup of a bloodborne pathogen incident.

Engineering and Work PracticesSafe job performance and work environments minimize the likelihood of accidents and injuries. We train

our employees and maintain our equipment in an effort to reduce accident potential, and supervisors mustensure that work areas remain uncluttered.

Contaminated Objects and SurfacesObjects and surfaces such as clothing, counter tops, equipment, etc., are to be quarantined immediately

upon contamination with blood or other body fluids. A designated company representative will determine ifand when such items/areas can be put back into use following effective decontamination procedures.

Personal Protective EquipmentAll personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected for protection against bloodborne pathogens blocks

body fluids from reaching the wearer’s skin, eyes, or mouth. Gloves and safety goggles are distributed totrained responders throughout the company and are also available as follows: in the main office; inbloodborne pathogen emergency kits located in the break room; and in all first aid kits, both in the buildingand in fleet vehicles. The site evacuation map located in the main office and in the break room shows wherefirst aid and bloodborne pathogen kits may be accessed. All personal protective items used to deal withbloodborne pathogen emergencies are inventoried regularly, and used or outdated items are replaced asnecessary. All personal protective equipment used at this facility is provided to employees free of charge.

39

40

Small contaminated objects are to be discarded in biohazard containers; plastic bags may be substituted ifadditional containers are needed. It is the responsibility of management personnel to consult with local solidwaste disposal authorities to determine appropriate disposal procedures.

Laundry ProceduresNo attempt is to be made to decontaminate gloves and clothing contaminated with blood or other body

fluids; such items must not be washed or reused. All contaminated clothing, regardless of the extent ofcontamination, must be left at the facility for placement in a biohazard container, pending disposal. Employ-ees are to be reimbursed for replacement costs of discarded clothing. Temporary clothing (e.g., a Tyvek suit)is provided by the company for interim use.

Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-UpAny employee exposed to blood or body fluids must receive a medical evaluation at the company’s

expense. The victim (the employee whose body fluids were the source of contamination) will be asked tosubmit to testing for hepatitis and AIDS. If the victim consents to testing, the results will be revealed only tothose employees who might possibly have been contaminated. Victims who refuse testing must sign refusalforms. (Note: Before adopting this policy, clear it with your attorney since some states to not allow it.)

Education, Communication, and DocumentationIt is our policy to train all employees on bloodborne pathogens. The training must occur before any em-

ployee—newly hired or newly assigned—begins a job where exposure to blood or other body fluids mightoccur. This training is conducted as part of new employee orientation. All employees receive additionaltraining on an annual basis. Training covers the following information:

• The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard and the company’s written plan (includes information onwhere to access these documents)

• Epidemiology and symptoms of diseases transmitted by bloodborne pathogens

• How bloodborne pathogen transmission occurs

• Company policy as outlined in the written plan

• Identification and explanation of jobs for which some possibility of exposure to bloodborne pathogensexists

• Methods used to detect the potential for contact with bloodborne pathogens, including engineeringcontrols, work practices, and PPE

• Instruction on how to deal with an injured person who is bleeding

• Actions that must be taken in the event of human contact with blood or other body fluids

Each person trained is required to sign a roster as evidence of attendance. This documentation is maintainedin the company’s file and includes the following:

• Date of training

• Content or summary of training conducted (agenda format)

• Names and qualifications of training instructors

• Names, job titles, and employee signatures of those in attendance

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Recordkeeping

Availability of the PlanThe written Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan is on file in the main office and is available upon

request to all employees and OSHA inspectors.

Inception and Revision of the WrittenBloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan

Inception Date

Prepared by

Title

Signature

Revision Date

Revised by

Title

Signature

(printed name)

(printed name)

All records required by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 are maintained by the following designated companyrepresentatives:

(printed name)

(printed name)

42


This regulation states that employers must make employ-ees understand “the preferred means of reporting fires andother emergencies.” Most companies emphasize that callingfor help should always be the first action taken; emergencytelephone numbers must be posted at or near every phone.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERSEMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERSEMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERSEMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERSEMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

Post emergency telephone numbers throughout yourfacility and inside company vehicles. This simpleprocedure will save valuable time in the event of an

emergency—time that may make the difference between a con-trolled situation and a disaster.


[OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 (A)(2)(V)

AND 1910.165(B)(4)]

Recommendation 1Develop a phone list with only

those numbers that are extremelyimportant. Other, less importantnumbers may be listed in EmergencyResponse Plan. Consider using TheQuick Response Emergency Plan(PPP-45) as an easy-to-use phone list.Additional copies can be obtainedthrough the Purdue University Media

Distribution Center, (888) 398-4636.


43

Recommendation 2Verify phone numbers annually; mark your calendar and form a

habit of checking them the same month every year. If there arechanges, retype the list; handwritten notations can be difficult toread, especially in an emergency situation. Make sure the updatedlist replaces every old list posted.

.

HAZARDOUS WASTE OPERATIONSHAZARDOUS WASTE OPERATIONSHAZARDOUS WASTE OPERATIONSHAZARDOUS WASTE OPERATIONSHAZARDOUS WASTE OPERATIONSAND EMERGENCY RESPONSEAND EMERGENCY RESPONSEAND EMERGENCY RESPONSEAND EMERGENCY RESPONSEAND EMERGENCY RESPONSE(OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120)

This standard, better known as HAZWOPER, requires

emergency response training for all employees who

might have to react to a hazardous situation. Training is the

key to competent, effective response; and the more employers

expect employees to participate in emergency response, the more

education and training they must provide.

Recommendation 3Post emergency telephone numbers on all bulletin boards and

near all phones.

Recommendation 4Post signs listing emergency contact personnel conspicuously

on the outside of all buildings. The signs should include the namesof emergency contact personnel (company representatives) andtheir phone numbers.

Recommendation 5Provide company contact numbers to local law enforcement

agencies, fire departments, and medical responders. Update themon all personnel or telephone number changes.

Recommendation 6Post company emergency numbers on a clipboard or by other

means in all company vehicles to facilitate notification efforts duringa roadway emergency.

44

There are five levels of first responder training: awareness,

operations, technician, specialist, and commander. Employers

should designate and train individuals at each level, for each site.

This requirement can be fulfilled by training multiple individuals or

by training one individual at all five levels.

First Responder LevelsFirst Responder LevelsFirst Responder LevelsFirst Responder LevelsFirst Responder LevelsFirst Responder Awareness Level

All employees with the potential for contact with hazardous

substances during an emergency must complete awareness level

training. Employees who are likely to discover an accidental

release of a hazardous substance should be instructed to evacuate

the area and notify management personnel; they are to take no

other action. This level of training is usually fulfilled within the

context of the company’s emergency response training.

First Responder Operations LevelAll employees with responsibility to protect other individuals, the

surrounding property, or the environment during a hazardous

substance release must complete operations level training. They

must be trained to control the spill without actually trying to stop the

release or coming into contact with the substance. OSHA man-

dates eight hours of training at the operations level; the require-

ment usually can be fulfilled within the context of emergency

response training.

First Responder Technician LevelEmployees responsible for stopping an accidental hazardous

substance release must complete technician level training. Twenty-

four hours of initial training are required, plus an additional eight

hours of field experience and eight hours of refresher training

annually. These individuals are designated on the basis of their

training to plug, patch, or otherwise stop the release in an emer-

gency situation.

First Responder Specialist LevelSpecialist training requirements are similar to those of the

technician level, but specialists are required to know more about

the specific substances used at the facility.

45

• An employee trained at the awareness level should evacuate the areaand contact company management personnel.

• An operations level employee should construct a dam ahead of theflow or otherwise contain the spill, thereby preventing the pesticidefrom reaching the creek.

• An employee trained at the technician or specialist level shouldattempt to stop the leak, e.g., repair a malfunctioning valve, whilewearing sufficient PPE and taking appropriate safety precautions.

• A specialist should provide other emergency responders withdetailed environmental and safety information on the specificproduct involved.

• An incident commander or a specialist should work with communityemergency responders to make decisions on defusing the situationand should coordinate and direct trained personnel involved inremedial action.

Imagine that a pesticide is leaking from a tankand flowing toward a nearby creek...

Incident Commander LevelAn employee trained as an incident commander may actually

participate in the emergency response, decision-making process.All first responders trained above the awareness level who couldpotentially assume control of an incident must complete com-mander level training. As the title implies, these responders aretrained to take command of an incident and coordinate on-the-scene emergency operations. Initial training requirements consistof 24 hours of formal training and an additional eight hours of fieldexperience. In addition, commanders must complete eight hours ofrefresher courses annually.

The five levels of competency are illustrated in the followingexample.

46


It is recommended that all employees be trained torespond to emergencies. However, minor spills that can behandled by employees, such as releases incidental to theirjob, do not constitute an emergency situation.

The level of training required depends on companypolicy, i.e., what management personnel expect of theiremployees. However, OSHA mandates that any businessworking with pesticides and/or fertilizers must at least traintheir employees (both full- and part-time) to the awarenesslevel. Training to higher levels is required only if manage-ment expects employees to respond to an emergency.Basic awareness training may be conducted in-house andshould convey the following:

• The definition of a hazardous substance and associ-ated risks

• The need to identify hazardous substances during anemergency

• Potential repercussions of a hazardous substanceemergency

• The role of first responder awareness level employ-ees as set forth in the employer’s emergencyresponse plan

Recommendation 1Document all training with itemized

agendas, tests, certificates, and signedattendance sheets. If materials arepassed out, either list the exact contentsor keep the packet of information on filefor subsequent referral.


Recommendation 2Provide a trained person to answer

questions that employees may have afterviewing videos or reading publications

purchased or rented to help with awarenesslevel training.

47

Recommendation 3If awareness level training applies to new employees, provide it

immediately. They should be instructed to call 911 in the event of

an accident when company representatives are not present.

Recommendation 4Train all full-time employees to the operations level, covering

the following:

• Basic hazard and risk assessment techniques

• Proper selection and use of personal protective equipment

• Basic hazardous materials terminology

• Basic control and containment operation techniques

• Basic decontamination procedures

Recommendation 5Train at least one person to the technician and incident com-

mander levels; in smaller companies, this person likely would be

the company owner or manager. The designated person must have

thorough knowledge of the facility and what is stored there and be

able to communicate effectively with fire department, ambulance,

and regulatory personnel. The individual must have authority to

make on-the-spot, monetary decisions regarding emergency

remedial action. The technician/incident commander should notify

regulatory agencies of the mishap.

Recommendation 6Invite local fire department, police, and emergency personnel,

and possibly local and state regulators, to your facility. Making

them familiar with your facility and the chemicals you handle could

prove valuable in the event of an emergency.

Recommendation 7Invite local emergency responders to speak at your training

programs. Their training and experience will add credibility to your

effort in teaching your employees how to deal with emergencies

properly.

48

It is often necessary to evacuate a facility during an emer-gency, and a quick decision to do so can prevent injuriesand save lives.

Employers often ask why they should post EXIT signs andescape routes when their employees already know how to exit thebuilding. But we must recognize that excitement is a powerfulemotion during an emergency, and people may panic and lose theirway; new employees may not remember exactly where the exitsare. Others such as salespeople, suppliers, customers, and thegeneral public are often allowed to enter facilities without restric-tion; if an emergency were to occur while they are present, theymight or might not remember how to get out.

EXIT SIGNSEXIT SIGNSEXIT SIGNSEXIT SIGNSEXIT SIGNS(OSHA, 29 CFR PART 1910.35)


Place EXIT signs conspicuously and make sure doors serving asexits are side-hinged and accessible from both directions. Leaveexit doors unlocked during business hours.

Place an EXIT sign above each exit door. OSHA mandatesilluminated signs only if the area is dimly lit. Check with the firedepartment to see if local regulations require illuminated signs.


Recommendation 1With exits such as see-through doors

that are not readily apparent, post EXIT

signs with accompanying arrows indicat-ing the route of escape.

Make sure all exits are markedclearly and that the path is clear

Recommendation 2Indicate all exits on the site evacuation

map.

49

Recommendation 5Post NOT AN EXIT signs on or over

doors that are not exits.

Recommendation 8Keep all exit routes open and

accessible. There must be at least 28inches of clearance around each exit.

Recommendation 7Familiarize employees with fire

alarm locations and conduct drills onhow to signal other employees thatthere is a fire.

Recommendation 6Keep emergency lighting available

and inspect it regularly to make surebatteries are fully charged, etc.

Unacceptable: Path to exit is cluttered and door is padlocked

Recommendation 9Post DO NOT BLOCK EXIT signs on the

outside of the building, near each exit.

Recommendation 4Perform periodic inspections to make sure all exits are

adequately marked. This can be accomplished simultaneously withfire extinguisher and medical kit evaluations; documentation shouldbe filed as a company record. (Seepage 28.)

Recommendation 3If EXIT signs are lighted, perform monthly inspections to verify

their operation.

50

Most employees seldom have reason to access thebreaker panel at the facility where they work. In someemergencies, however, it may be necessary to turn off

power to one room or one piece of equipment. For example, duringa spill or fire the power to a specific area might need to be turnedoff to ensure that emergency responders can work without threat ofelectrocution. Meanwhile, it might be essential to maintain power toother rooms or buildings so that emergency teams can operatetheir equipment. Label each circuit in the breaker panel as to whatit controls, its voltage, and its amperage. And make sure all em-ployees know where the panel is located as well as how to use it.

ELECTRIC PANEL MARKINGSELECTRIC PANEL MARKINGSELECTRIC PANEL MARKINGSELECTRIC PANEL MARKINGSELECTRIC PANEL MARKINGS(OSHA, 29 CFR PART 1910.303)

The two most important items to be addressed under this regula-tion are as follows: Make sure the outside of the breaker box ismarked MAIN ELECTRICAL PANEL, and mark each circuit as to specifi-

cally what it controls (e.g.,machine 3, air condition-ing).

Keep covers in placeover all breakers and thebreaker box to preventelectrocution. All coverlatches must be opera-tional.


Good

Bad

51


Recommendation 1Make sure breaker box locations are

noted on the evacuation map.

Recommendation 2Include in your Emergency Response

Plan a list of what each circuit controls.

Recommendation 3As stated previously, label each circuit in the breaker panel as

to what it controls, its voltage, and its amperage. Check breakerboxes regularly to confirm that each circuit is marked as to specifi-cally what it controls, that each such identification is current, andthat labels remain legible. All markings must be in permanent ink,not in pencil.

Recommendation 4If electrical panel work is done, be sure to update circuit identifi-

cation markings.

Recommendation 5Make sure the circuit box remains accessible at all times. Keep

an area clear at least 28 inches in front of the box.

52

When a facility must be evacuated, it is important that it be done quickly and uniformly and thatemployees proceed immediately to a predesignated rendezvous point. A facility evacuationmap should be posted conspicuously and employees made aware of the exit route to take in

the event of an emergency.

The importance of meeting at a designated site can never be overemphasized. Having everyone rendez-vous immediately after evacuation facilitates accounting for all employees. This is critical since the

EVACUATION MAPEVACUATION MAPEVACUATION MAPEVACUATION MAPEVACUATION MAP(OSHA, CFR 1910.38)

Map courtesy of Miles Floetker, Lawn Pride, Inc.

53

emergency responders’ strategy for controlling the situation mayhinge on whether or not the area has been totally evacuated. Forexample, without confirmation that everyone is out, an incidentcommander might send firefighters into a burning building to lookfor persons trapped inside; verification that everyone is out of thebuilding would prevent placing those firefighters in jeopardy. Fromanother standpoint, as long as firefighters are inside a burningbuilding, other emergency management strategies might have tobe delayed.


Recommendation 1Create and post in employee break

rooms, the main office, bulletin boards,and work areas an evacuation map foreach building; copies should be filedwith the Emergency Response Plan andin company policy and training manuals.

This regulation requires that employees be trained on evacua-tion routes and rendezvous points. Employers with ten or feweremployees can communicate verbally to employees about whatthey need to do in an emergency.


Recommendation 2Verify the evacuation map regularly and make

changes as necessary; always update it when the layoutof the facility changes due to construction, the installation of newequipment, etc. Follow with immediate notification of employees.Schedule evacuation map evaluation along with those for fireextinguishers, medical kits, and exit signs.

54

Recommendation 3Designate a first- and second-choice rendezvous point where

employees are to proceed following evacuation. The second-choicesite should be used if the first is made undesirable by the emer-gency itself. For instance, if the first-choice site turns out to bedownwind of a burning building, employees should proceed to thesecond site.

Recommendation 5Assign an individual to account for all employees and visitors at

the rendezvous points. Decide on a bright-colored vest or capwhich that person is to wear in the event of evacuation, and train allemployees to check in with that person upon reaching the rendez-vous point.

Recommendation 6Institute a sign-in and sign-out ledger for guests. Managers and

supervisors should be made aware (each day) of all visitors on thepremises for accountability purposes in the event of an emergency.

Recommendation 7Conduct annual, unannounced drills to determine the effective-

ness of training provided on emergency evacuation procedures.Analyze the results and compliment employees on the aspects thatwere performed well; call to their attention the things that needcorrecting, then schedule training to emphasize those points.Document the drill and all training conducted as a follow-up.

Mark locations of the following on the evacuation map:• Emergency exits• Evacuation routes (each in a different color)• Primary and alternative rendezvous points• Fire extinguishers• Fire alarms• Sprinkler controls• First aid kits• Bloodborne pathogen kits• Biohazard containers• Eye wash areas• Emergency showers• Circuit breaker boxes• Gas and water shutoffs• Spill control equipment• Tornado shelters

Recommendation 4

55

The site map is a requirement of OSHA’s regulationsdealing with emergency plans. Its preparation is one ofthe most important activities that any business can under-

take. Essentially, it is a blueprint of the site which identifies allbuildings and their exact locations; it also indicates exact locationswithin each building where chemicals are stored.

A detailed site map can convey vital information to emergencypersonnel in a matter of minutes. It can be a critical resource forfirst responders in assessing a situation and determining a plan ofaction.

SITE MAPSITE MAPSITE MAPSITE MAPSITE MAP


Recommendation 1

Site maps fall under OSHA’s regulations on emergency plan-ning. If an employer has fewer than ten employees, a writtenemergency plan is not required, so neither is a site map. Neverthe-less, it is strongly recommended that business owners and manag-ers develop site maps for use in emergency situations.


(OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.38 AND 1910.120)

Post the site map in employee breakrooms and the main office, and onbulletin boards; include it in companypolicy and training manuals and thecompany Emergency Response Plan.Also post it in a weatherproof exteriorlocation where it is easily accessible toemergency responders. Review the map(and where to find it) with employeesannually.

Recommendation 2Draw the site map to scale.

56

Recommendation 3Show the following on your site map:

• Direction legend: north, south, east, west

• Road numbers

• Ditches, rivers, and lakes on or near the property

• Points of access to the property

• The directional slope of the land

• Types and location of fencing on or around the property

• Name and exact location of each building

• Indoor and outdoor chemical storage areas

• Outdoor chemical mixing and loading areas

• Fuel storage areas

• Liquid propane tanks

• Anhydrous ammonia tanks

• Underground sewer, electrical, water, and gas lines

• Emergency disconnect sites for gas, water, and electricity

• Aboveground electrical service drop

• Tile drains (outdoors)

• Septic tanks

• Wells

• Fire hydrants

• Special equipment for cleanup of spills

Indicate the following with respect to the interior of each building:• Building age • Building dimensions

• Type of building construction

• Type of roof, window, and floor construction

• Location of MSDSs, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, andbiohazard kits

• Chemical storage areas

• Chemical mixing and loading areas

• Emergency eye wash and shower areas

• Drains and where they lead

Keep a county map handy, showing the following:

• The business site

• The directional slope of the land

• Schools, hospitals, nursing homes, subdivisions, towns, etc.,adjacent to the property

• Flow patterns of surface water

• Proximity of ditches, rivers, and lakes to the property

• Direction of prevailing winds (In Indiana the prevailing windsblow from the SW to the NE.)

57

Recommendation 4Consider hiring a local high school or trade school student

with experience in drafting techniques to help with the layoutof the site map; or consider using one of the many computerprograms available.

Recommendation 5Confirm storm sewer outfall locations, using tracer dye. This

information is useful in the event of a spill in that responders canidentify the point at which the spill must be contained.

Recommendation 6Color code all drains to differentiate storm sewers from sanitary

sewers.

Recommendation 7Videotape the site, with narration, and make the tape available

to local emergency plan committees, fire departments, and otheremergency responders. Their review of the tape will help preparethem to address an emergency at the site, should one occur.

Recommendation 8Update site maps annually.

Recommendation 9Include worst case scenarios in the emergency response plan.

58

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANEMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANEMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANEMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANEMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

The objective of contingency planning is to prevent emergen-cies; but if they do occur, the objective becomes a matter ofreacting appropriately to minimize detrimental effects. Both

aspects—prevention and reaction—require a well organized efforton the part of business owners and management personnel.

When government took the stance that businesses must adoptcontingency plans to deal with emergencies, many state and

federal agencies wrote regulations requiringthe development of emergency responseplans. These regulations, despite originatingin different agencies, were often very similar.But despite the similarities, each agency hadits unique requirements. And pest controlcompanies, in attempting to comply, oftenduplicated their own efforts. That is, theybegan anew to satisfy each requirement

instead of adding to a planalready in place.

In 1996, the United StatesEnvironmental ProtectionAgency, the Department ofTransportation, the Depart-ment of the Interior, and theDepartment of Labor agreed

to a single, consolidated plan: the National Response Team’sIntegrated Contingency Plan. Since that time, businesses havebeen able to develop and implement a single plan to satisfy allrequirements. The resulting, more comprehensive plans are easierto train to and more efficient to maintain. There is no repetition.The focus on a single plan yields a well-informed employee base;workers are better prepared to react appropriately in emergencysituations—a benefit to the business and the community.

A contingency plan is only as good as the information it con-veys to employees and emergency responders. It is useless if theonly people who comprehend its intent and how to execute it arethose who wrote it. Employees must be educated to understandthe purpose of the plan, and they must be trained to perform theirassigned duties in an emergency situation.

(FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 61,NO. 109, PP. 28642-28664)

Chemical ate through hose (inset)and flowed out the back of thebuilding into a tile leading to thecity pond (see adjacent page).

59

Chemical from spillran into tile whichhad to be dug up (topright) to stop theflow into the citypond (above ) whereit caused a fish kill (center). Chemicalalso reached the city sewagetreatment facility (right).

It is essential that every employee and all emergency respond-ers in the community be familiar with the plan. And it is equallyimportant that the plan be updated on a regular basis toincorporate changes: phone numbers, new employees, new(company) emergency responders, new or reassignedposition responsibilities, etc. A thorough review should bedone at least annually, as should employee review andretraining.

60

A written emergency response plan is required for most emer-gency response businesses, and in developing a plan the approachshould be to fit it to your industry, your facilities, and your geo-graphic site. The goal is not to impress with bulk, nor is it only tomeet the letter of the law; and it is more than just putting a plan inwriting. The goal is to prescribe procedures and policies to mini-mize injury, death, and environmental damage that could resultfrom an emergency. A vital component of preplanning is to educateand train employees on how to carry out the plan in an actualemergency.


Recommendation 1Post a 24-hour number on the

outside of all buildings so that emer-gency responders will know where tocall if an emergency occurs when thebusiness is closed and the premisesvacant.


61

Recommendation 2Train all employees and document all training on:

• the location of the written emergency response plan,

• the purpose and objectives of the plan,

• implementing the plan,

• who to contact in an emergency,

• where to rendezvous following evacuation, and

• who should deal with and talk to the media.

Emergency plan stored in a weatherproofcanister (above) and in a mailbox (left)

Recommendation 3Personally deliver copies of the emergency response plan to

local responders: fire departments, law enforcement agencies,emergency medical services, and emergency planning committees.Review the plan with them, and document their receipt of the plan.Such one-on-one contact is much more meaningful than theirreceiving the plan by mail. By showing this type of interest andinitiative, you captivate the community’s interest in your businessand impress upon them that you have everyone’s best interests inmind. Point out the following:

• Who to contact in an emergency

• Where employees are to rendezvous if evacuated

• Types of chemicals stored on-site

• Precise locations of chemical storage areas

• Important listings on the site map

• What you and your staff should and should not do in anemergency

• What expectations you have (e.g., a let-it-burn policy) whenoutside assistance is requested.

• The on-site location of the written plan, i.e., where emergencyresponders can access it

• Off-site locations where the plan is accessible

62

Recommendation 4Add value to the plan by inviting emergency responders to walk

through your facility. Consider incorporating videos and photo-graphs with the written plan and ask for suggestions to make theplan better; follow up on any recommendations they offer.

Recommendation 5Update the emergency response plan annually and as changes

occur. This practice is often overlooked, but the consequences ofhaving emergency responders act on an out-of-date plan can becritical.

Recommendation 6Stage a mock accident or spill, annually, and critique the

generated response.

Recommendation 7Contact hospitals to see if they can treat patients for exposure

to the chemicals you handle, and ask if they have decontaminationcapabilities. Hospitals are often overlooked when notifying localresponders.

Recommendation 8Use the emergency response plan in this publication on the

following page as a model for developing your own.

Recommendation 9Spill recovery contractors play an essential role in follow-up

operations related to a spill emergency. Select a reputable firm thatyou are comfortable with. Always obtain references—and checkthem—before signing a contract. Hire someone who understandsyour business and is knowledgeable on prevailing state and federalrequirements; it is important that they accept the obligation tocomply with local, state, and federal paperwork and permit require-ments.

Preplanning in cooperation with the company is important.Discuss your operations, describe a worst-case scenario, and askfor a firm estimate before signing. Determine their availability andthe amount of time it would take them to respond to an emergencyat your facility. Insist on a number where you can reach them 24hours a day. Select a company that either employs or can easilyand quickly subcontract industrial hygienists, engineers, heavyequipment, specialized equipment such as laboratory and monitor-ing devices, and supplies needed during an emergency.

63

Revision DateRevision DateRevision DateRevision DateRevision Date Employee Training DateEmployee Training DateEmployee Training DateEmployee Training DateEmployee Training Date

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANEMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANEMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANEMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANEMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

Name of Company

Geographical Address Telephone

Developed by

Name Title

63

65

INTRODUCTORY ELEMENTSINTRODUCTORY ELEMENTSINTRODUCTORY ELEMENTSINTRODUCTORY ELEMENTSINTRODUCTORY ELEMENTSPurpose and ScopePurpose and ScopePurpose and ScopePurpose and ScopePurpose and Scope

The purpose of our company’s emergency response plan is toprepare employees for emergency situations. Safeguarding theenvironment as well as the health of our own personnel and peoplein surrounding communities is paramount. Strict compliance withthe plan will lessen the potential for accidents and equip us torespond to emergencies in an organized and professional manner.

A primary objective of this plan is to educate employees to reactappropriately to emergencies, pending the arrival of emergencyresponders, or to evacuate if their well-being is threatened.

Prevention PhilosophyPrevention PhilosophyPrevention PhilosophyPrevention PhilosophyPrevention PhilosophyThe company strives continually to develop and implement

practices and procedures designed to minimize accident andemergency potential. All employees—full- or part-time, salaried orpaid hourly—must comply with all company policies and all local,state, and federal regulations.

Facility ProfileFacility ProfileFacility ProfileFacility ProfileFacility ProfileThe (branch or site) of (name of company) is a commercial

facility for (services provided, e.g., sales, distribution, customapplication) of (type of product, e.g., pesticides, fertilizers, fuels).Business numbers and a detailed site map are provided on pages66–69. The site map shows the exact location of the facility (withstreets, roads, and highways clearly marked) and every structureon-site. It also includes directions on how to get there; recognizableicons such as large signs, chemical storage tanks, and structuresthat are visible from long distances are indicated, as well asgeographical landmarks that can be used by emergency responsepersonnel in finding the facility. All entrances to the property areclearly marked on the map.

Chemical ProfileChemical ProfileChemical ProfileChemical ProfileChemical ProfileOur chemical inventory

varies throughout the year.See pages 70–73 for detailedinformation on chemicals thatwe store.

Employee ProfileEmployee ProfileEmployee ProfileEmployee ProfileEmployee ProfileWe normally retain full-time employees. We hire an addi-

tional seasonal and part-time workers to meet production

(months)

(daily, M–F, etc.)

have full time clerical employees and mechanics who

work on-site. The facility is staffed

between the hours of a.m. and _____ p.m.

schedules during . We

65

66

FACILITY INFORMATIONFACILITY INFORMATIONFACILITY INFORMATIONFACILITY INFORMATIONFACILITY INFORMATION

Geographical Site Address

Name of Facility/Branch

Street/Road/Highway

County Latitude Longitude

Global Positioning System Coordinates

Management Personnel

Name

Title

Telephone(work) ( home)

(cell phone) (pager)

Mailing Address

Street or P.O. Box

City/State/Zip

Street or P.O. Box

City/State/Zip

Telephone Fax(main number) (24-hr number)

66

67

COUNTY MAPCOUNTY MAPCOUNTY MAPCOUNTY MAPCOUNTY MAP

County Map

N

S

EW

Geographic Location of Facility = ✘Yellow Highlight Over Solid Black Line = Most Common Route of Access

Solid Blue Line

Solid Red Line

= Alternate Traffic Route

= Route for Transporting Hazardous Materials

Verbal Directions for Most Common and Alternate Routes of AccessVerbal Directions for Most Common and Alternate Routes of AccessVerbal Directions for Most Common and Alternate Routes of AccessVerbal Directions for Most Common and Alternate Routes of AccessVerbal Directions for Most Common and Alternate Routes of AccessDuring an emergency situation it may become difficult to think clearly. These directions to the facility canbe read easily when calling for assistance.

Most Common RouteMost Common RouteMost Common RouteMost Common RouteMost Common Route

Alternate RouteAlternate RouteAlternate RouteAlternate RouteAlternate Route

67

68

Site Map

N

EW

S

Code Building, Storage Tank, or Other Structure

A

B

C

D

E

SITE MAPSITE MAPSITE MAPSITE MAPSITE MAP

68

69

EVACUATION MAPEVACUATION MAPEVACUATION MAPEVACUATION MAPEVACUATION MAP

N

S

EW

Building or Other Structure

Site Map Code (from preceding page)

Utilities are marked with a red star (✱).

Evacuation Routes = Exits = ➡

First Choice Rendezvous Point = ✓

Second Choice Rendezvous Point = ✗

69

70

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74

Revision History and DistributionRevision History and DistributionRevision History and DistributionRevision History and DistributionRevision History and Distributionof Emergency Response Planof Emergency Response Planof Emergency Response Planof Emergency Response Planof Emergency Response Plan

The company’s emergency response plan is reviewed annually,at least, and more frequently as necessary. Revisions, employeetraining updates, and distribution records appear on page 76.

The most important thing to keep in mind in any emergency is toavoid putting yourself or anyone else at risk. Emergency respond-ers, both trained company staff and professionals, should givehighest priority to the prevention of personal injury. Respondersshould also make every effort to minimize environmental damageto the site and to surrounding properties. Protection of structures,chemical inventory, and supplies should be of concern only afterany threat to human health and the environment has been satisfac-torily addressed. Emergency responders can meet all three goals—protection of people, the environment, and the facility—by imple-menting an integrated, preplanned, well organized emergencyresponse plan.

Location of the PlanLocation of the PlanLocation of the PlanLocation of the PlanLocation of the PlanThe most current revision of this written plan, along with other

emergency information, is located as stated below (fill in the blanks).

Regulatory ComplianceRegulatory ComplianceRegulatory ComplianceRegulatory ComplianceRegulatory ComplianceThis Emergency Response Plan was written using the template

provided in the National Response Team’s Integrated ContingencyPlan Guidance (Federal Register, Volume 61, Number 109, pages28642–28664). This plan, as written, is intended to comply withEPA’s Oil Pollution Prevention Regulation [40 CFR part 112.7(d)and 112.20], OSHA’s Emergency Action Plan Regulation [29 CFR1910.38(a)], and OSHA’s HAZWOPER Regulation (29 CFR1910.120). This plan also meets the requirements of the Office ofIndiana State Chemist’s Bulk Storage Regulations (355 IAC 5-6and 355 IAC 2-7-1). The sequence and titles of topics suggested inthe integrated plan have been modified to meet our specific needs.

CORE PLAN ELEMENTCORE PLAN ELEMENTCORE PLAN ELEMENTCORE PLAN ELEMENTCORE PLAN ELEMENTSSSSSEmergency Response PolicyEmergency Response PolicyEmergency Response PolicyEmergency Response PolicyEmergency Response Policy

74

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76

REVISION HISTORY OFREVISION HISTORY OFREVISION HISTORY OFREVISION HISTORY OFREVISION HISTORY OFEMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANEMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANEMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANEMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANEMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

Date of RevisionRevised by

(work) ( home)

Revision Reviewed and Approved by

(work) ( home)

Employees Trained on Changes(date)

Trainer

Location Where Training Agenda andRecord of Employees Trained May Be Accessed

(name)

~ THE BLANK VERSION OF THIS FORM MAY BE PHOTOCOPIED FOR SUBSEQUENT REVISIONS ~

Name Title

Telephone

Name Title

Telephone

Changes Made

76

77

If your personal copy bears a different date, use the morecurrent version. Company management personnel will check thislocation periodically to ensure that all contents are intact.

A copy of the plan is also kept at the main office of this facility,at corporate headquarters, and at the homes of company-trainedemergency responders.

A copy is on permanent display on the safety bulletin boardlocated

Message to Community RespondersMessage to Community RespondersMessage to Community RespondersMessage to Community RespondersMessage to Community RespondersThe company trains certain employees as emergency respond-

ers; therefore, someone is quickly accessible at all times to re-spond to emergency situations. Knowledgeable, authorized com-pany employees are assigned to coordinate their efforts with thoseof professional emergency responders and to address questionsposed by local fire, medical, and environmental emergency person-nel.

See the page 78 for a list of our primary and alternate emer-gency coordinators. These individuals are authorized to makeemergency decisions. They are familiar with the written emergencyresponse plan, with the operations and layout of this facility, andwith the on-site location of hazardous chemicals. Each personlisted is authorized to commit company resources, manpower,equipment, etc., to manage emergency situations.

Company employees and emergency responders have beeninstructed to take no action without using personal protectiveequipment necessary to deal safely with the specific emergency.

Employees are instructed not to participate in emergencyresponse if they feel that doing so would pose excessive personalrisk. In such situations, emergency response is to be handled byprofessionals from the fire department, the rescue squad, or otherteams appropriately trained and duly assigned those duties bylocal, state, and federal authorities.

The company requests that local fire departments consider howactions taken during their response to an emergency might impactthe facility, the environment, and the surrounding property. Runoffis a serious issue relative to soil and water contamination, and thedecision to apply large volumes of water should be made as a lastresort. First consideration should be given to the amount of productin inventory, prevailing atmospheric conditions, and alternativecontrol tactics.

In certain situations, it might be more desirable to let a structureburn than to extinguish it with water (let-it-burn policy, page 27).

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78

PRIMARY AND ALTERNATEPRIMARY AND ALTERNATEPRIMARY AND ALTERNATEPRIMARY AND ALTERNATEPRIMARY AND ALTERNATEEMERGENCY COORDINATORSEMERGENCY COORDINATORSEMERGENCY COORDINATORSEMERGENCY COORDINATORSEMERGENCY COORDINATORS

Primary On-Site Emergency CoordinatorPrimary On-Site Emergency CoordinatorPrimary On-Site Emergency CoordinatorPrimary On-Site Emergency CoordinatorPrimary On-Site Emergency Coordinator

Name

Telephone(home) (work)

(cell) (pager)

Alternate On-Site Emergency CoordinatorAlternate On-Site Emergency CoordinatorAlternate On-Site Emergency CoordinatorAlternate On-Site Emergency CoordinatorAlternate On-Site Emergency Coordinator

Name

Telephone

~ THE BLANK VERSION OF THIS FORM MAY BE PHOTOCOPIED FOR SUBSEQUENT USE ~

(home) (work)

(cell) (pager)

Primary Primary Primary Primary Primary CorporateCorporateCorporateCorporateCorporate Emergency CoordinatorEmergency CoordinatorEmergency CoordinatorEmergency CoordinatorEmergency Coordinator

Name

Telephone

(cell) (pager)

(work)(home)

78

79

It is acknowledged that representatives from local, state, andfederal agencies have authority to investigate emergencies.However, while on-site, said individuals are expected to follow thespecific instructions of company-employed emergency coordinator.It is our policy that one of our employees shall be assigned toaccompany all local, state, or federal authorities conducting investi-gations on-site, and that all safety protocols be strictly followed.

In cases where an emergency is in progress, local, state, andfederal authorities may contact the company employees listed onthe preceding page. Agencies should direct questions to theprimary or alternate emergency coordinator. It is our policy thatemployees with relevant and useful information be accompanied bythe designated emergency coordinator when addressing questionsduring an emergency.

The responsibility to notify local, state, and federal authorities ofcertain emergency situations is delegated to emergency coordina-tors specified by company management. Under no circumstancesshould any employee who is not so-designated be ordered toinitiate notification procedures.

On-the-Scene JurisdictionOn-the-Scene JurisdictionOn-the-Scene JurisdictionOn-the-Scene JurisdictionOn-the-Scene JurisdictionIt is our expectation that our on-site emergency coordinators will

participate in decision-making processes during an emergency.They have been instructed to inform outside emergency respond-ers when they believe that actions being considered would poseexcessive danger to public health or the environment. Our emer-gency coordinators and other employees at the scene are toextract themselves from dangerous conditions when, in theiropinion, actions being taken by the incident commander wouldjeopardize their personal well-being.

Company ResponseCompany ResponseCompany ResponseCompany ResponseCompany ResponseManagement SystemManagement SystemManagement SystemManagement SystemManagement System

This response plan addresses a wide range of emergencies,including severe storms, floods, fires, explosions, injuries, deaths,and toxic gas releases. The company’s employees are trained toquickly evaluate the circumstances surrounding an emergencybefore making decisions on remedial action. Guidelines set forth inthis plan shall govern the decision-making process.

The company’s emergency coordinators are instructed to takecharge at the scene of an emergency. They are to manage theemergency according to the following guidelines.

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80

A. Notify all company personnel and visitors that an emergency exists.

B. Address the situation in a controlled sequence.

1. Assess the situation to determine the seriousness of the problem.

2. Evacuate employees and visitors, if necessary.

3. Take measures to prevent personal injuries.

4. Control the source of the emergency, if applicable, to lessen the potential for adverseenvironmental impact.

5. Notify authorities.

6. Contact corporate headquarters.

C. Document the following:

1. Details of the incident

2. Injuries and/or deaths

3. Impact of the emergency on surrounding areas

4. Actions taken

5. Contacts made with service and regulatory agencies

D. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), the North American Emergency Response Guidebook,and professionals linked to MSDS emergency phone numbers are excellent sources forhealth and environmental guidelines when an emergency involves a hazardous chemical.

E. Determine if additional help is needed: fire department; rescue crews; ambulances;company response team. Phone numbers are posted near each phone and on the outsideof the office. When calling for assistance, be sure to do the following:

1. Provide your name.

2. Tell the responder that your emergency plan is on file.

3. Provide your address and specific directions to the facility.

4. Describe the type of emergency.

5. Provide information on injuries or deaths resulting from the emergency.

6. Advise the responder if the situation poses a human health threat to the surroundingcommunity.

7. Explain any potential impact on surrounding waterways or wellheads.

8. Describe prevailing weather conditions at the site.

F. Be sure to notify the Local Emergency Planning Committee in your county.

G. Secure the emergency site until help arrives:

1. Seal off the area to keep unauthorized persons at a safe distance.

2. Keep people upwind of the site.

3. Post company employees along the main road to direct emergency vehicles and toprevent unauthorized people from entering the area.

Remarks to Company Emergency CoordinatorsRemarks to Company Emergency CoordinatorsRemarks to Company Emergency CoordinatorsRemarks to Company Emergency CoordinatorsRemarks to Company Emergency Coordinators

Remarks to EmployeesRemarks to EmployeesRemarks to EmployeesRemarks to EmployeesRemarks to Employees

Never attempt to deal with any emergency situation, alone. Immediately upon recognition of anemergency, employees must alert the company’s designated emergency coordinators, whowill quickly interpret the cause of the emergency situation and implement steps necessary tostabilize it. But under no circumstances should employees attempt response measures clearlybeyond their training. Employees unfamiliar with emergency response procedures shouldfollow the instructions of designated emergency coordinators.

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4. Document the name and agency affiliation of each person admitted on-site during theemergency.

H. Initiate emergency diking procedures to keep contaminated runoff on-site. Direct contami-nated runoff away from wells, storm sewers, ditches, and creeks.

I. Turn off utilities within the emergency area. They are marked with a red star(✱) on theevacuation map (page 69). Call utility companies if assistance is warranted.

J. Do not provide transportation to local hospitals for slightly injured employees or bystand-ers; if injuries are not life threatening, direct injured parties into an isolated area to awaitevaluation by emergency medical personnel. This lends continuity to the effort of account-ing for everyone.

K. Continue to coordinate on-site activities until help arrives, but relinquish control to theoutside emergency coordinator if no one from the company has been trained as an emer-gency coordinator. This is termed transfer of command.

L. Begin writing detailed notes as soon as possible, or assign an employee do so; someoneshould write down the chronology of all details of (and responses to) the emergency, asthey occur. Assign someone the responsibility for taking still photographs and videos tosupplement written documentation. If your camera has the option to print a date on eachnegative, use it; and make sure that the time recorder on the video camera is engaged. Ifyour video camera is equipped with a voice recorder, be sure to speak very clearly. As ageneral rule for shooting video, do not zoom in and out frequently; and do not walk whileshooting, if you can avoid it.

M. Notify local, state, and federal authorities.

N. Continue to document every detail in the days following the emergency. The more completethe file, the better the company will be able to address legal, safety, and environmentalissues that may emerge days, weeks, months, or years later.

O. Make arrangements for bulldozers, back hoes, and general labor, as required. Page 88contains a list of sources for such equipment. Management personnel of the firms listedhave been informed of, and have agreed to, services that they might be called upon toprovide during an emergency or during cleanup procedures following an emergency. Safetymeetings held with representatives of these firms, following the incident, should bedocumented. Typically, safety meetings include topics such as a briefing on the situation athand; the objectives of procedures to be performed; the risk potential involved; precautionsthat participants will need to take; and the types of personal protective equipment thatshould be worn. All participants brought on-site must have been trained for hazardousmaterial operations, as required by OSHA.

P. Know your deadlines. But file written reports with appropriate agencies only after thecompany’s legal counsel has reviewed them for accuracy and language. If you cannot makethe deadline, request an extension; and follow up by confirming the extension via certifiedmail. Log all conversations pertinent to the incident: date, time, parties involved, and thedetails of each discussion.

Q. Upon completion of all remedial actions following an emergency, debrief employees,critique the company’s handling of the emergency, and investigate polices and reactionsthat failed. Make changes to the plan and train employees accordingly.

R. Maintain a complete incident file of original documents, on-site, and send a copy of the fileto company headquarters.

S. (Name company spokesperson) has been designated as the company’s mediaspokesperson.

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81

82

EVACUATIONEVACUATIONEVACUATIONEVACUATIONEVACUATIONA. The on-site emergency coordinator will promptly notify all

employees and visitors that an emergency exists and orderimmediate evacuation of the premises. Notification will be byvoice or telephone intercom, audible alarm, or flashing lights aspredetermined in this plan.

B. Visitors will be instructed to follow the lead of companyemployees.

C. When asked to evacuate, employees are to proceed immedi-ately to the nearest exit. All exits are clearly marked on theevacuation map (page 69).

D. Once outside the building, and without delay, everyone shouldproceed to the first-choice rendezvous point as indicated by acheck mark (✓) on the evacuation map (page 69). If that site isinaccessible due to the incident in progress, everyone shouldproceed to the second-choice rendezvous point indicated on theevacuation map with a red ✗.

E. Once everyone is safely outside, employees should promptlyinform their supervisors of any prevailing condition, inside, thatmight impact the situation: equipment left running, for example.

F. Make sure to check in with the person designated to account forall employees.

G. Anyone safely outside who realizes that another employee isunaccounted for should immediately tell the person taking count.That person is responsible for reconciling the employee countwith whatever attendance verification exists for the day inquestion. If all records of attendance are inaccessible due to theemergency, the person taking count should canvass those atthe rendezvous point and ask for names of employees whowere known to be absent that day, as well as names of thoseknown to have reported for work but who are not present at therendezvous point.

H. Remain at the evacuation site until dismissed by the company’semergency coordinator.

EMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTInternal Emergency CoordinatorsInternal Emergency CoordinatorsInternal Emergency CoordinatorsInternal Emergency CoordinatorsInternal Emergency Coordinators

Employees are to contact the person at the top of thecompany’s emergency coordinator list (page 84) as soon aspossible after an emergency situation is detected. In the event thatthat person is unavailable, try the second person on the list, thenthe third, etc., until contact is made. Assume responsibility until thatperson arrives on-site.

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83

EMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTINFORMATION THAT MAY BE REQUESTEDINFORMATION THAT MAY BE REQUESTEDINFORMATION THAT MAY BE REQUESTEDINFORMATION THAT MAY BE REQUESTEDINFORMATION THAT MAY BE REQUESTED

• Directions to the facility (County Map, p. 67)

• Exact on-site location of the incident (Site Map, p. 68)

• Date and time incident occurred or was discovered

• Chemicals involved- Type- Quantity- Source

• Death

• Human Injuries- Number of persons injured- Type and extent of injuries

Respiratory arrestLoss of consciousnessBurnsBleedingBroken bones

- Accessibility of injured persons

• Potential threat to humans- Chemical burns- Inhalation hazard- Acute toxicity- Explosion

• Potential environmental hazards

• Movement of hazardous materials off-site- Direction of flow- Areas likely to be contaminated

WellsGround waterStreams, creeks, rivers, lakes, etc.Sewers and storm drainsSoilAir

• Prevailing weather conditions

• Identity of responders already on-site

• Potential for explosion or fire

• Company representative serving as emergency coordinator on-site (page 84)

• Equipment necessary to deal with the emergency (page 89)

~ NOTESNOTESNOTESNOTESNOTES ~

84

EMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LIST

INTERNAL EMERGENCY COORDINATORSINTERNAL EMERGENCY COORDINATORSINTERNAL EMERGENCY COORDINATORSINTERNAL EMERGENCY COORDINATORSINTERNAL EMERGENCY COORDINATORS

(pager)

Emergency CoordinatorEmergency CoordinatorEmergency CoordinatorEmergency CoordinatorEmergency Coordinator

Telephone

Call the person at the top of the company’s emergency coordinator list as soon aspossible after an emergency situation is detected. If that person is unavailable, putan ✗ in the box and try the second person on the list, then the third, etc.; put a checkmark ( ✔) in the box beside the name of the person with whom contact isestablished.

(home)

(pager)(cell)

(work)

Alternate CoordinatorAlternate CoordinatorAlternate CoordinatorAlternate CoordinatorAlternate Coordinator

Telephone(work) (home)

(cell)

(work) (home)

(cell) (pager)

(work)


Telephone


Telephone(home)

(cell) (pager)

Time notified (voice contact)a.m.p.m.




(name)

(name)


(name)❑

❑

❑

❑

(signature of caller)




(name)

84

85

EMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LIST


EMERGENCY RESPONDERSEMERGENCY RESPONDERSEMERGENCY RESPONDERSEMERGENCY RESPONDERSEMERGENCY RESPONDERS

StateStateStateStateState

❑ Indiana Emergency Response Commission ........

LocalLocalLocalLocalLocal

❑ Hospital

❑ Local Emergency Management Agency

❑ Chairman

❑ Other

(home)

Fire Department

City Police

State Police

County Sheriff

Ambulance 911911911911911

FederalFederalFederalFederalFederal

❑ National Response Center.......................................................... (888) 233-7745

❑ EPA Region 5 CERCLA.............................................................. (888) 233-7745

DIAL

(work) (home)

Fill in names and numbers as part of the emergency plan. During an incident, checkeach box as notification is accomplished.

❑ Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

(name) (phone number)

(phone number)

(phone number)

❑ State Fire Marshal (24-hr. number)........................................... (800) 420-0765

❑ Office of the Indiana State Chemist.......................................... (765) 494-1492

❑ Indiana Department of Environmental Management................ (888) 233-7745

(date)

(work)

Signature of Caller

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86

EMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTADJACENT LANDOWNERS AND TENANTSADJACENT LANDOWNERS AND TENANTSADJACENT LANDOWNERS AND TENANTSADJACENT LANDOWNERS AND TENANTSADJACENT LANDOWNERS AND TENANTS

North of Emergency SiteNorth of Emergency SiteNorth of Emergency SiteNorth of Emergency SiteNorth of Emergency Site

South of Emergency SiteSouth of Emergency SiteSouth of Emergency SiteSouth of Emergency SiteSouth of Emergency Site

East of Emergency SiteEast of Emergency SiteEast of Emergency SiteEast of Emergency SiteEast of Emergency Site

West of Emergency SiteWest of Emergency SiteWest of Emergency SiteWest of Emergency SiteWest of Emergency Site

~ THE BLANK VERSION OF THIS FORM MAY BE PHOTOCOPIED FOR SUBSEQUENT USE ~

(name of occupant or contact person) (phone number)












❑

❑

❑

❑

❑

❑

❑

❑

❑

❑

❑

❑


Signature of Caller(date)

86

87~ THE BLANK VERSION OF THIS FORM MAY BE PHOTOCOPIED FOR SUBSEQUENT USE ~

AgroEvoAgroEvoAgroEvoAgroEvoAgroEvo

American CyanamidAmerican CyanamidAmerican CyanamidAmerican CyanamidAmerican Cyanamid

BASFBASFBASFBASFBASF

BayerBayerBayerBayerBayer

Dow AgroSciencesDow AgroSciencesDow AgroSciencesDow AgroSciencesDow AgroSciences

DuPontDuPontDuPontDuPontDuPont

FMCFMCFMCFMCFMC

GriffinGriffinGriffinGriffinGriffin

MonsantoMonsantoMonsantoMonsantoMonsanto

NovartisNovartisNovartisNovartisNovartis

PBI GordonPBI GordonPBI GordonPBI GordonPBI Gordon

Rhone-PoulencRhone-PoulencRhone-PoulencRhone-PoulencRhone-Poulenc

Rohm and HaasRohm and HaasRohm and HaasRohm and HaasRohm and Haas

ZenecaZenecaZenecaZenecaZeneca

(phone number)

(phone number)

(phone number)

(phone number)

(phone number)

(phone number)

(phone number)

EMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTPESTICIDE MANUFACTURERSPESTICIDE MANUFACTURERSPESTICIDE MANUFACTURERSPESTICIDE MANUFACTURERSPESTICIDE MANUFACTURERS

(phone number)

(phone number)

(phone number)

(phone number)

(phone number)

(phone number)

(phone number)

(company name) (phone number)

(company name) (phone number)

Others:Others:Others:Others:Others:

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~ NOTESNOTESNOTESNOTESNOTES ~

Signature of Caller(date)

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EMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTEMERGENCY CALL LISTMISCELLANEOUS CONTACTSMISCELLANEOUS CONTACTSMISCELLANEOUS CONTACTSMISCELLANEOUS CONTACTSMISCELLANEOUS CONTACTS

Insurance CompanyInsurance CompanyInsurance CompanyInsurance CompanyInsurance Company

Heavy Equipment ProviderHeavy Equipment ProviderHeavy Equipment ProviderHeavy Equipment ProviderHeavy Equipment Provider

Indiana Department of HealthIndiana Department of HealthIndiana Department of HealthIndiana Department of HealthIndiana Department of Health

(name of company or contact person) (phone number)

(name of company or contact person) (24-hour phone number)

(phone number)



(name) (phone number)

(name of company) (24-hour phone number)

(name of company) (24-hour phone number)

(name of company) (phone number)

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Spill Recovery ContractorSpill Recovery ContractorSpill Recovery ContractorSpill Recovery ContractorSpill Recovery Contractor

Other:Other:Other:Other:Other:

Contractors forContractors forContractors forContractors forContractors for

(date)Signature of Caller

88

(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)

(2)(2)(2)(2)(2)

ChemTrec (subscription required)ChemTrec (subscription required)ChemTrec (subscription required)ChemTrec (subscription required)ChemTrec (subscription required) ......................................... (800) 424-9300

InfoTrac (subscription required)InfoTrac (subscription required)InfoTrac (subscription required)InfoTrac (subscription required)InfoTrac (subscription required) ........................................... (352) 323-3500

Indiana Poison Control CenterIndiana Poison Control CenterIndiana Poison Control CenterIndiana Poison Control CenterIndiana Poison Control Center ............................................... (800) 382-9097

National Pesticide Telecommunications NetworkNational Pesticide Telecommunications NetworkNational Pesticide Telecommunications NetworkNational Pesticide Telecommunications NetworkNational Pesticide Telecommunications Network .................. (800) 858-7378

PhysicianPhysicianPhysicianPhysicianPhysician

Fill Dirt or SandFill Dirt or SandFill Dirt or SandFill Dirt or SandFill Dirt or Sand

Hazardous Waste DisposalHazardous Waste DisposalHazardous Waste DisposalHazardous Waste DisposalHazardous Waste Disposal

UtilitiesUtilitiesUtilitiesUtilitiesUtilities

ElectricityElectricityElectricityElectricityElectricity WaterWaterWaterWaterWater

Natural GasNatural GasNatural GasNatural GasNatural Gas OtherOtherOtherOtherOther

(phone number)

(phone number) (phone number)

(phone number)

89

Location at the FacilityList the building and the exact interior location

Item where the article can be found.

Chemical-resistant gloves

Respirators

Splash suits

Barricade tape

Portable pumps

Absorbent

Push brooms

Shovels

Fire extinguishers

Medical kits

Recovery containers

Diking materials

Spill kit

EMERGENCY SUPPLY SOURCESEMERGENCY SUPPLY SOURCESEMERGENCY SUPPLY SOURCESEMERGENCY SUPPLY SOURCESEMERGENCY SUPPLY SOURCESON-SITEON-SITEON-SITEON-SITEON-SITE

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Medical supplies

Pumps

Safety equipment

Explosion-proof

flash lights

Portable toilets

Sand

Bottled water

Self-contained

breathing apparatus

Food (e.g., Red Cross)

Decontamination

equipment

Air cylinders

Sandbags

EMERGENCY SUPPLY SOURCESEMERGENCY SUPPLY SOURCESEMERGENCY SUPPLY SOURCESEMERGENCY SUPPLY SOURCESEMERGENCY SUPPLY SOURCESOFF-SITEOFF-SITEOFF-SITEOFF-SITEOFF-SITE

Item Name of Company 24-hr. Phone

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Adjacent AreasAdjacent AreasAdjacent AreasAdjacent AreasAdjacent AreasThe evacuation of public areas should be handled by the fire

and police departments, but it is important for company personnel

to cooperate in the effort. Preplan so that everyone will know what

is expected of them, and review the plan at least annually.

Direct residents to a safe location—perhaps a school or a

church—for accountability purposes; and instruct them to stay

there pending notification that they may go. It is a good idea to

designate multiple sites in the emergency response plan, just in

case the primary location is inaccessible for any reason.

Sometimes it is impossible to get people to leave their homes,

but do the best you can. Record the names of people who enter the

shelter as well as those who refuse to evacuate.

A shelter should be staffed with law enforcement and emer-

gency management personnel, emergency medical staff, and

company representatives to keep evacuees up-to-date on the

emergency situation. They should be kept informed as to when

they might be allowed to return to their homes.

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• Send someone or call to inform the emergency coordinator that a chemical hasbeen spilled.

• Call appropriate local agencies: fire department, police, local emergency planningcommittee.

• Consult the material safety data sheet and emergency response guidelines for thespecific hazard(s), personal protective equipment, cleanup guidelines, and evacua-tion distances.

• Never physically contact an unknown material. Stay upwind when identifying aspilled substance.

• Inform the product manufacturer of the spill, and solicit advice in dealing with theaccident and for cleanup suggestions. Keep the manufacturer on the line for easyaccess as the emergency unfolds.

• Control (stop) the spill at its source by shutting off leaking valves, etc. If the leak-ing substance is hazardous, only trained individuals should assume this task.

• Eliminate all ignition sources, including pilot lights and electrical lights.

• Evacuate all nonessential and unprotected employees to a predesignated site.

• Make certain that everyone who enters the spill area wears safety equipment asspecified by the MSDS. If the chemical is unknown, emergency personnel mustwear a respirator, chemical resistant gloves and boots, goggles, and a Tyvek suit.Under no circumstances are employees to assist in the area of the emergency ifthey have not received formal instruction (employee training) on how to wear arespirator properly and unless they have been trained in the appropriateHAZWOPER category.

• Do not allow smoking, eating, or drinking in the emergency area.

PROCEDURESPROCEDURESPROCEDURESPROCEDURESPROCEDURES for for for for for HANDLINGHANDLINGHANDLINGHANDLINGHANDLING an an an an anUNUNUNUNUNCONTAINED CONTAINED CONTAINED CONTAINED CONTAINED LILILILILIQQQQQUID CHEMICAL SPILLUID CHEMICAL SPILLUID CHEMICAL SPILLUID CHEMICAL SPILLUID CHEMICAL SPILL

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• Do not allow nonessential personnel to walk or drive through the affected area.

• Persons trained in the proper HAZWOPER category can work outside the spill areato prevent the spill from spreading, e.g., by making a dike to contain it.

• Utilize all available spill control materials to contain the spill. Large spills mayrequire the mobilization of bulldozers and backhoes to build larger berms.

• Be prepared to assist fire departments and police with equipment, MSDSs, extrapersonnel, and technical support.

• Initiate cleanup of a small spill according to directions provided by state andfederal agencies, in-house specialists, or product manufacturers. Chemicals andcontaminated absorbent materials may be placed in secure drums. Mark eachdrum with the date and the name of the product involved.

• Use remediation consultants where large spills are involved.

• Store debris from each spill separately. Combining chemicals can trigger adversechemical reactions. Some waste may be considered hazardous and require specialdisposal. Check MSDSs for incompatibilities.

• Decontaminate all equipment and place the generated waste in labeled containers.These containers should then also be considered hazardous, so mark them“ HAZARDOUS WASTE” and label them with the date and contents.

• Replace all equipment and supplies used during cleanup.

• Remember the three C’s:Control the source.Contain the flow.Clean up the spill site.

PROCEDURESPROCEDURESPROCEDURESPROCEDURESPROCEDURES for for for for for HANDLINGHANDLINGHANDLINGHANDLINGHANDLING an an an an anUNUNUNUNUNCONTAINED CONTAINED CONTAINED CONTAINED CONTAINED LILILILILIQQQQQUID CHEMICAL SPILLUID CHEMICAL SPILLUID CHEMICAL SPILLUID CHEMICAL SPILLUID CHEMICAL SPILL

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PROCEDURESPROCEDURESPROCEDURESPROCEDURESPROCEDURES for for for for for HANDLINGHANDLINGHANDLINGHANDLINGHANDLING a a a a aCONTAINEDCONTAINEDCONTAINEDCONTAINEDCONTAINED LILILILILIQQQQQUID CHEMICAL SPILLUID CHEMICAL SPILLUID CHEMICAL SPILLUID CHEMICAL SPILLUID CHEMICAL SPILL• Cease all loading operations.

• Control the source, e.g., shut off valves. Only HAZWOPER-trained employees maytake this offensive action within the spill area; outside the area, anyone may oper-ate valves.

• Turn off pilot lights on equipment if spill is flammable.

• Disconnect pumps and electricity if an explosion hazard exists.

• Turn on electricity and reassemble sump pumps after ensuring that the explosionor fire is unlikely.

• Wash spill material into sumps.

• Place recovered materials and contaminated water into containers, and label eachcontainer with the date, time, and type of material stored.

• Analyze the stored materials for identification and concentration, or consider thecontents to be 100 percent concentrate.

• Consult with the Office of the Indiana State Chemist (765) 494-1492), if a pesticideis spilled, before making an application of the stored materials to an appropriatesite of application. Never apply at rates that exceed label recommendations.

• Consult the Indiana Department of Environmental Management on all other materi-als requiring disposal.

• Use absorbent products properly and also understand that their use may createadditional disposal problems. Consult the Office of the Indiana State Chemist orthe Indiana Department of Environmental Quality for advice on absorbent disposal.Whenever possible, use absorbent products that can be recycled or field applied,such as oil dry, ground corn cobs, peat moss, and fly ash. Pillows and fiber boomsmust be processed or hauled to a special landfill.

• Remember the three C’s:

Control the source.Contain the flow.Clean up the spill site.

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PROCEDURESPROCEDURESPROCEDURESPROCEDURESPROCEDURES for for for for for HANDLINGHANDLINGHANDLINGHANDLINGHANDLING a a a a aCONTAINEDCONTAINEDCONTAINEDCONTAINEDCONTAINED DRY FERTILIZER SPILLDRY FERTILIZER SPILLDRY FERTILIZER SPILLDRY FERTILIZER SPILLDRY FERTILIZER SPILL

• Dry chemical releases from normal handling operations should be cleaned upimmediately to prevent accumulation, especially prior to rain.

• Return recovered dry material to the appropriate bins, or add it to a load of thesame material being applied that day.

• Any waters collected which came into contact with these materials should behandled as product rinse water, and applied to a labeled site.

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PROCEDURESPROCEDURESPROCEDURESPROCEDURESPROCEDURES for for for for for HANDLINGHANDLINGHANDLINGHANDLINGHANDLING a a a a aFIRE or EXPLOSIONFIRE or EXPLOSIONFIRE or EXPLOSIONFIRE or EXPLOSIONFIRE or EXPLOSION• Know the capabilities of the local fire department.

• Evacuate all employees and visitors to designated areas upwind of smoke.

• Only employees trained on the proper use of fire extinguishers shall attempt tocontain a small fire.

• Evacuation maps show exact locations of fire extinguishers.

• Fires larger than a waste paper basket should be left to professional firefighters.

• Immediately report any fire to the on-site emergency coordinator. In the event youare unable to notify the emergency coordinator, it will be necessary for you tocontact the local authorities by dialing 911 or local emergency number.

• Inform responders that limited supplies are on hand to assist emergency coordina-tors or professional firefighters in their efforts.

• Do not allow any person to walk or drive through the fire area. This may require theposting of guards around the perimeter of the fire area.

• Shut down all operations within the structure that is on fire. This should be doneprior to everyone leaving.

• Turn off electricity and all other utilities associated with the building. Check thefacility map for the location of the turn off connections. Turn off electrical power toLP gas tanks.

• Do not use water on chemical fires, except to protect human health. However, thefinal decision is left to the fire department or incident commander at the scene.

• Be prepared to assist firefighters, but do not enter or get close to a burning build-ing.

• Notify fire department of the available water supply on-site.

• Be prepared to dike around burning buildings if water is used as the extinguishingmedium.

• Do your best to keep any contaminated water out of nearby ditches, streams, ordrains.

•Implement your emergency response plan, and spill notification to theenvironmental contractor.

• Do not enter the area until the incident commander gives permission.

• The only personnel allowed to clean up the debris from a contaminated area arethose trained in the appropriate HAZWOPER category.

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• Have MSDSs, pesticide labels, emergency phone numbers, and extra fuses in the vehicle.

• Stop immediately if a chemical leak is detected or if the vehicle is involved in an accident.

• Park the vehicle in a safe location.

• Turn off the ignition and set the parking brake.

• Turn on emergency flashers.

• Put out safety triangles.

• If the accident involves human injury, do the following:

a. Make sure that the person is breathing.

b. Do not move the person unless their position is life threatening, e.g., if the vehicle ison fire.

c. Call 911, then your supervisor or the emergency coordinator.

d. Be prepared to describe the location of the accident and to provide pertinentinformation.

e. Keep everyone except emergency personnel out of spill area.

f. Repair the leak, if possible, but only if you have been trained to do so.

g. Fill out your company’s Incident/Accident Report form; it will contain information thatyour insurance company and/or company safety committee may need.

• If the accident involves an environmental release, follow these guidelines:

a. Wear safety equipment.

b. Repair the leak, if possible, but only if you have been trained to do so.

c. Use shovels and spill material to build berms to prevent the material fromentering creeks, waterways, or drains.

d. Call 911, then your immediate supervisor or the emergency coordinator.

e. Call the emergency number on the MSDS, if the chemical enters a waterway, todetermine any potential impact on water consumption and aquatic wildlife.

f. Fill out your company’s Incident/Accident Report form; it will contain information thatyour insurance company and/or company safety committee may need.

• Provide police with the following driver information:

a. Your name and home address

b. Company name and business address

c. Your license number

d. Vehicle license number

e. Name of your immediate supervisor

f. In the presence of the police, and/or other officials involved at the scene, rememberthe following:

i. Be cooperative, but answer questions cautiously. Admit nothing!

ii. Exchange pertinent vehicle, insurance, and driver information with any otherdrivers involved.

VEHICLE EMERGENCYVEHICLE EMERGENCYVEHICLE EMERGENCYVEHICLE EMERGENCYVEHICLE EMERGENCY

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• Evacuate employees and visitors to prearranged areas.

• Check with supervisor for dealing with small spills; contact your local firedepartment for larger spills.

• Turn off all power and pilot lights. Remember that electrical switches create smallarcs when being turned on or off, thereby producing a potential ignition source.

• Identify the product involved.

• Check the MSDS for hazard potential: pollution, fire, explosion, etc.

• Wear personal protective equipment as prescribed on the label.

• Use nonsparking tools.

• Contain the spill with absorbent materials or by whatever means possible.

LIQUID PROPANE ORLIQUID PROPANE ORLIQUID PROPANE ORLIQUID PROPANE ORLIQUID PROPANE ORNATURAL GAS EMERGENCYNATURAL GAS EMERGENCYNATURAL GAS EMERGENCYNATURAL GAS EMERGENCYNATURAL GAS EMERGENCY

• Check with supervisor for dealing with small spills; contact your local firedepartment for larger spills.

• Evacuate all employees and visitors to the designated location.

• Eliminate all ignition sources within a 500-foot radius of the release.

• Turn off main valve if it can be done safely.

• Contact the propane or natural gas company for assistance (page 88).

PETROLEUM EMERGENCYPETROLEUM EMERGENCYPETROLEUM EMERGENCYPETROLEUM EMERGENCYPETROLEUM EMERGENCY

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ANHYDROUS AMMONIA EMERGENCYANHYDROUS AMMONIA EMERGENCYANHYDROUS AMMONIA EMERGENCYANHYDROUS AMMONIA EMERGENCYANHYDROUS AMMONIA EMERGENCY

• Anhydrous ammonia is a liquid stored under pressure that becomes a gas whenexposed to the atmosphere.

- For small leaks, stop the flow of gas.- For large leaks, call the fire department.

• Skin contact with anhydrous ammonia can cause frostbite; inhalation can causesevere respiratory symptoms or death. Use appropriate safety equipment whendealing with any anhydrous ammonia release:

- nonvented goggles- PVC gloves- boots- respiratory protection- DO NOT WEAR CONTACT LENSES

• Evacuate an area of 1500 feet in all directions from around the anhydrous ammoniarelease. Keep all employees and others from entering an area with a 30-foot radiusaround the site. The local fire department will make a determination whether moreor less distance is required.

• Evacuate to a location upwind of any anhydrous ammonia release.

• Do not re-enter the evacuated area until given permission by authorities.

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NATURAL DISASTERSNATURAL DISASTERSNATURAL DISASTERSNATURAL DISASTERSNATURAL DISASTERS

TORNADOESTORNADOESTORNADOESTORNADOESTORNADOES

Tornadoes can occur any time of the year. In Indiana, peak months are April, May, and June. They aremost likely to occur between 3 and 9 p.m. but may strike at any hour of the day or night. The averagetornado moves from southwest to northeast.

Before the Storm...

• Develop a plan.• Conduct frequent drills.• Keep a highway map nearby to follow storm movement reported in weather bulletins.• Purchase a NOAA weather radio, with a warning alarm and battery backup, for receiving

warnings.• Listen to radio and television for information.

Listen for...

Tornado Watch = Tornadoes are possible in the area. Remain alert for approaching storms.

Tornado Warning = A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.

If a Tornado Warning Is Issued...

• Shut down all nonessential energy sources.• Account for all employees and visitors.• Move to your predesignated place of safety.• If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest

floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.• Stay away from windows.• Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car: Pull over, get out of the vehicle, and lie flat in a ditch

or depression.• If caught outdoors, lie flat in a ditch or depression.

FLOODSFLOODSFLOODSFLOODSFLOODSNearly half of all flash flood fatalities are auto-related. When driving during a storm, or while a floodwatch is in effect, look for flooding at highway dips, bridges, and low areas. Remember that two feetof water will carry away most automobiles.

Before the Flood...

• Determine your elevation above flood stage to establish your flood risk.• Keep your vehicle fueled; if electric power is cut off, gas stations may not be able to operate

pumps for several days.• Keep first aid supplies on hand.• Keep a NOAA weather radio, a battery-powered portable radio, and flashlights in working order.• Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains.

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Listen for...

Flash Flood or Flood Watch: Flash flooding or flooding is possible within the designated watcharea—be alert.

Flash Flood or Flood Warning: Flash flooding or flooding has been reported or is imminent—take necessary precautions at once.

Urban and Small Stream Advisory: Flooding of small streams, streets, and low-lying areas,such as railroad underpasses and urban storm drains, is occurring.

Flash Flood or Flood Statement: Follow-up information regarding a flash flood/flood event.

FLOODSFLOODSFLOODSFLOODSFLOODS

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Flash Flood Warning...

• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.• Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water.• Continue monitoring NOAA weather radio, television, or an emergency broadcast station for

information.

During the Flood...

• Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.• If you come upon a flowing stream where water is ankle-deep, STOP! Turn around and go

another way.• Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road because the depth of water is not always obvious

and the roadbed may be washed out. You could become stranded.

After the Flood...

• If food has come into contact with flood water, throw it out.• Boil all water for drinking and cooking. Wells should be pumped out and the water tested for

purity before drinking. If in doubt, call your local public health authority.• Do not visit disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue and other emergency

operations.• Check and dry electrical equipment before returning it to service.• Use flashlights—not lanterns or matches—to examine buildings; this is a safeguard against

igniting any flammables that may be present.• Report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.

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THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNINGTHUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNINGTHUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNINGTHUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNINGTHUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNINGA typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts 30 minutes. All thunderstorms are danger-ous. They produce lightning that kills more people each year than tornadoes, and heavy rain fromthunderstorms can cause flash flooding. Danger from strong winds, hail, and tornadoes also isassociated with thunderstorms.

Who Is Most at Risk from Thunderstorms?

Lightning: People who are outdoors, especially near or under tall trees; in or on water; on or nearhilltops.

Flooding: People in vehicles.

Tornadoes: People in vehicles.

Listen For.....

Severe Thunderstorm Watch: A thunderstorm watch indicates that conditions are right for asevere thunderstorms to occur. Watch the sky and tune to a radio or television channel to receive awarning if one is issued. A watch is intended to heighten public awareness and should not be con-fused with a warning.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: A thunderstorm warning is issued when severe weather hasbeen reported by spotters or indicated by radar. A warning indicates imminent danger to life andproperty in the path of the storm.

Before the Storm...

• Know the county in which you live and the names of nearby major cities.• Check the weather forecast before leaving for an extended period outdoors.• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent.• Watch for signs of approaching storms.• Listen for weather updates on an NOAA weather radio, an AM/FM radio, or television.

When Thunderstorms Approach...

• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Seek shelterimmediately.

• Move to a sturdy building. Do not take shelter in small sheds or beneath isolated trees.• If lightning is occurring and there is no sturdy shelter available, get inside a hard top vehicle and keep

windows up.• Get away from water.• Telephone lines and metal poles can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining

weather information. Avoid using the telephone and electrical appliances. Use phones only in an emer-gency.

• Turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressors.• Get to higher ground if flash flooding or flooding is possible. Once flooding begins, abandon vehicles and

climb to higher ground. Do not attempt to drive to safety. Note: most flash flood deaths occur in automo-biles.

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If Caught Outdoors Without Shelter...

• Find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles. Make sure the place you pick is not subjectto flooding.

• If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.• If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of

your feet to minimize your contact with the ground. Place your hands on your knees and yourhead between them, i.e., make yourself the smallest target possible.

WINTER STORMSWINTER STORMSWINTER STORMSWINTER STORMSWINTER STORMS


Sometimes winter storms are accompanied by strong winds creating blizzard conditions with blind-ing wind-driven snow, severe drifting, and dangerous wind chill. Strong winds with these intensestorms and cold fronts can knock down trees, utility poles, and power lines.

Everyone is potentially at risk during winter storms. The actual threat to you depends on your spe-cific situation. Recent observations indicate the following are contributors to winter deaths.

Deaths Related to Ice and Snow:

• About 70% occur in automobiles.• About 25% are people caught out in the storm.• Majority are males over 40 years old.

Deaths Related to Exposure:

• 50% are people over 60 years old.• Over 75% are males.• About 20% occur in the home.

Listen for...

Winter Storm Watch: Severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow and ice, are possible. Pre-pare now!

Winter Storm Warning: Severe winter conditions have begun or are about to begin. Stay indoors!

Blizzard Warning: Snow and strong winds will combine to produce a blinding snow (near zerovisibility), deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill. Seek refuge immediately.

Winter Weather Advisory: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconve-nience and may be hazardous. If caution is exercised, conditions should not become life-threatening.The greatest hazard often is to motorists.

Frost/Freeze Warning: Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause significantdamage to plants, crops, and fruit trees. In areas unaccustomed to freezing temperatures, peoplewithout heated homes need to take precautions.

THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNINGTHUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNINGTHUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNINGTHUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNINGTHUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING

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Have Ready at Work...

• Flashlight and extra batteries• Battery-powered NOAA weather radio and a battery-powered portable radio to

receive emergency information• Extra food and water. High energy food, such as dried fruit or candy, and food

requiring no cooking or refrigeration is best.• First aid supplies• Ample heating fuel. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a severe

winter storm.

Vehicles

• Fully check and winterize all vehicles before winter.• Keep gas tanks near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.• Try not to travel alone.• Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternative routes when

traveling in inclement weather.• Carry a winter storm survival kit.


WINTER STORMSWINTER STORMSWINTER STORMSWINTER STORMSWINTER STORMS

EARTHQUAKESEARTHQUAKESEARTHQUAKESEARTHQUAKESEARTHQUAKES

• Stay indoors. Take cover under furniture or brace yourself in a doorway.• Stay near the center of the building and away from glass and windows.• If outdoors, stay away from structures and electric lines.• Keep employees together after earthquake is over.• Keep all persons out of damaged buildings.• Evacuate the area if necessary.• Do not drink water or flush toilets until it is determined that lines are undam-

aged.• Use binoculars to assess damage to tall structures.• Notify fire departments when conditions warrant their assistance.• Prepare a damage report, paying attention to downed power lines, especially,

and potential fires, spills, and damaged buildings.• Aftershocks can occur for several months after the main quake. Each occur-

rence may trigger additional damage to previously weakened structures.

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BOMB THREATS AND THREATENING CALLSBOMB THREATS AND THREATENING CALLSBOMB THREATS AND THREATENING CALLSBOMB THREATS AND THREATENING CALLSBOMB THREATS AND THREATENING CALLS

• Take all bomb threats seriously.

• In the event of a bomb threat, keep the caller on the line as long as possible, andrecord the call if you have that capability. If you cannot tape the call, listen for back-ground noise. Write down as much of the conversation as possible (see checklist onpage 106).

• Pass a note to a coworker, informing them of the threat and telling them to call thepolice and begin evacuation procedures.

• Try to make the caller understand that if the bomb is detonated many people could beseriously injured or killed. Ask the caller to tell you where the bomb is located so thatthe area can be evacuated.

• Wait until the state police have inspected the area before resuming normal activities.

• Complete the checklist on the following page.

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BOMB THREATS ANDBOMB THREATS ANDBOMB THREATS ANDBOMB THREATS ANDBOMB THREATS ANDTHREATENING CALLSTHREATENING CALLSTHREATENING CALLSTHREATENING CALLSTHREATENING CALLS

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CHECKLISTCHECKLISTCHECKLISTCHECKLISTCHECKLIST

• Ask the caller these questions:

- When will the bomb go off?

- Where is it located (e.g., in which building; where in the building; where on the grounds)?

- What kind of bomb is it?

- How do you know it will go off?

- How do you know so much about this facility?

- What is your name and address?

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Your Name

Date Time

Information on the caller: male female adult child

Was the call local? long distance? from within the building or facility?

Caller’s voice characteristics: loud soft deep

high-pitched clear raspy

Caller’s speech characteristics: fast slow distinct

clear slurred distorted

Language skills: excellent good poor

Accent characteristics: local foreign Possible race

Was the caller calm? angry? rational? irrational?

cursing? deliberate? emotional?

Background Noise: factory? office machines? music? traffic?

Airplanes? trains? animals? crowd Noise? silence?

a.m.p.m.

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MEDICAL EMERGENCYMEDICAL EMERGENCYMEDICAL EMERGENCYMEDICAL EMERGENCYMEDICAL EMERGENCY

• Stop all activities immediately.

• Have someone call 911.

• Verify the safety of responders.

• Check on victims.

• Do not move victims unless their location puts their lives in danger.

• Calm the victims and stay with them until professional help arrives , but do not administer firstaid unless you are trained to do so. First aid is to be administered only by trained personnel.

• Call the emergency number indicated on the product’s MSDS. The manufacturer’s medicalpersonnel may offer valuable input on the immediate care of the injured; they also may advisewhat actions to take to guard against additional injuries as the emergency unfolds.

• Have nearby company employees assist in evacuating the area, directing emergencyresponders from the highway to the scene of the accident, keeping bystanders a safe dis-tance away, etc.

• Establish the identity of all victims and notify their families.

• Try to find out exactly what took place and how the person was injured.

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EMPLOYEE TRAINING GUIDELINESEMPLOYEE TRAINING GUIDELINESEMPLOYEE TRAINING GUIDELINESEMPLOYEE TRAINING GUIDELINESEMPLOYEE TRAINING GUIDELINES

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Consider the following ideas when providing emergency response training foremployees.

• The Emergency Response Plan is located in the main office and is posted on bulletinboards for quick access and reference.

• Employees will be trained annually on the contents of the plan and what is expected ofthem.

• New employees will be trained on the contents of the plan as part of their new employeeorientation.

• All employees will be informed immediately of new safety procedures that impact them.

• It is important to act quickly, but safely, during an emergency.

• Emergency phone numbers are posted throughout the facility.

• Employees who have not been trained to deal with emergencies are not to get involved.

• Employees who have not received training on respirators are not to get involved during anemergency that requires one.

• Employees who have not been trained to use fire extinguishers are not to use them.

• Employees are expected to report to their supervisors any unsafe practices which couldlead to employee injury or chemical release.

• All employees of other companies who unload fertilizers, pesticides, and fuels must showproof that they have been trained to safely load and unload the products.

• Employees will be trained on proper evacuation procedures at least on an annual basis.

• All new employees will receive in-house training on safety in handling, mixing, using,storing, and disposing of hazardous chemicals; employees will not be assigned suchduties until training is completed.

• Employees will be taught the three C’s in dealing with a spill: Control the source. Containthe flow. Clean up the spill site.

• Employees will receive awareness training and will be instructed how to recognize aproblem, identify the cause, and secure the scene of an emergency; they also will betaught how to communicate the hazard (duty to warn).

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MEDIA MANAGEMENTMEDIA MANAGEMENTMEDIA MANAGEMENTMEDIA MANAGEMENTMEDIA MANAGEMENT

Management must make sure that all employees know who is the company’s Media RelationsRepresentative, i.e., the designated company spokesperson, and that they know to defer allmedia questions to that individual.

If you are the spokesperson, don’t wait for a crisis; make yourself known. It is important todevelop a healthy relationship with the media, establishing yourself as a dependable andcredible source of information. Positive communication heightens understanding and lessensconfusion and mistrust in times of crisis. Good communication skills are essential.

When dealing with the media during a crisis, set a time and location for a news release, stick toit, and by all means tell the truth.

• Assume that microphones are on and cameras rolling.

• Respond quickly. Deal with an issue early to avoid misinterpretation and fear.

• Communicate by providing the media enough information to file their story.

• Let the media know the situation is under control. Anticipate questions and plan conciseanswers.

• Stay calm. Avoid confrontation. Never argue or lose your composure. If a question containswords you dislike, don’t repeat them. Politely correct hostile or inaccurate remarks in youranswer and avoid assigning blame.

MEDIA RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVEMEDIA RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVEMEDIA RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVEMEDIA RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVEMEDIA RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE

Up-to-the-minute awareness of what is happening is crucial, and it is the responsibility of theemergency response coordinator to keep the Media Relations Representative apprised of anemergency situation as it unfolds.

The more significant an incident, the more media coverage you can expect, so make sure thatyour spokesperson is equipped with enough details to satisfy media curiosity.

• Cooperate by making your spokesperson available throughout the event to coordinate mediaresponse activities.

• Be prepared: Investigate all elements of the crisis and organize your facts to ensure that allimportant points are addressed with the Media Relations Representative.

OWNER OR MANAGEROWNER OR MANAGEROWNER OR MANAGEROWNER OR MANAGEROWNER OR MANAGER

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MEDIA MANAGEMENTMEDIA MANAGEMENTMEDIA MANAGEMENTMEDIA MANAGEMENTMEDIA MANAGEMENT

• Be clear, concise, and consistent. Make sure your answers are easily understood. Don’tuse technical terminology or jargon unless you are prepared to explain it. If you must leavesome information out, be sure to tell reporters what they need to know and use qualifiersso they don’t feel misled by new information. State your policy and stick to it.

• Be factual. Avoid extreme positions. Don’t be led into unfamiliar territory. Keep theinterview on track by emphasizing the points you want to make.

• Never say “no comment.” It invites speculation. Offer to update the media when moreinformation is available.

• Don’t say anything “off-the-record.” There is no legal obligation for a reporter to keepanything off-the-record. If you have a comment that you do not want publicized, don’tsay it.

• Never speculate. If asked a hypothetical question, state what you know at the time and letthe reporter know you’ll be available, later, for follow-up questions.

MEDIA RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVEMEDIA RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVEMEDIA RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVEMEDIA RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVEMEDIA RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE

LOCAL TELEVISIONLOCAL TELEVISIONLOCAL TELEVISIONLOCAL TELEVISIONLOCAL TELEVISION

Contact Person

Phone Fax E-Mail

LOCAL RADIOLOCAL RADIOLOCAL RADIOLOCAL RADIOLOCAL RADIO

Contact Person

Phone Fax E-Mail

LOCAL NEWSPAPERLOCAL NEWSPAPERLOCAL NEWSPAPERLOCAL NEWSPAPERLOCAL NEWSPAPER

Contact Person

Phone Fax E-Mail

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CONCLUSIONCONCLUSIONCONCLUSIONCONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

Prevention of pesticide accidents is the first line of defense,but of equal importance is being prepared for emergencies;this can never be overemphasized. Preparation can make

the difference between a controlled emergency and total chaos.Preplanning can minimize damage, injury, and the cost of cleanup.

But even with the best of training, accidents can and will occur.No company is immune to accidents around the shop, on the road,or on a customer’s property.

Given the fact that fires and spills will occur, it is important thatbusiness owners and managers thoroughly understand theirinsurance coverage: what is covered and what is not, and whatlimitations or exclusions apply.

It is the sad truth that many who believe they are insured forfire, theft, and spills often are negatively surprised when they seekrestitution for a loss. They may be told that a particular type ofaccident is not covered, that the amount of coverage is quite low,or that a steep deductible applies.

Emergencies are aggravating and stressful, and they often takelonger than anticipated to resolve. It is impossible to predict how,when, and where anemergency will occur orhow responders will dealwith it. No two emergen-cies are exactly the same,but not knowing exactlyhow an emergency mightunfold should not be usedas an excuse to avoidpreplanning.

Responders must betrained to assess eachsituation and make a deci-sion on what action to take; itmight mean proceedingas outlined in theemergency responseplan or making split-second decisions tomodify the plan.

It is imperative thatemergency response plansbe reviewed with employeeson a regular basis. Informa-tion must be updatedregularly so that manage-ment personnel and employ-ees know precisely whatprocedures to follow if an emergencyoccurs. Stage a mock emergency

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annually to confirm that your work force in adequately trained, andfollow up by repeating training in weak areas.

We all hope never to face an actual emergency, but we mustprepare for the possibility. Only a real-life emergency can put anemergency response plan to the test. Only in that experience canthe effectiveness of our preventive measures, safety practices, andemployee acceptance be measured, for it is only then that we trulyimplement the plan. And it is only then that our skills and knowl-edge—and those of our employees—must prevail. It is only thenthat we will be called upon to make quick decisions and to rely onthe judgment of others trained to respond. Tip the scale in yourown favor: Always be ready for the unexpected.

Steven and Paula Adduci, i2i Interactive (illustrations)Steve Banister, ServiceMasterJoe Becovitz, Office of the Indiana State ChemistDenny Belau, United Agri ProductsTom Delaney, Professional Lawn Care Association of AmericaCharles Grady, Indiana Department of Environmental ManagementPaul Hardy, Orkin Pest ControlStoy Hedges, Terminex International CompanyJerry Hebert, Indiana Department of LaborDavid Hibbs, Rhone-Poulenc Ag CompanyBill Hoopes, Scotts LawnServiceEd Van Istendal, B. & D. A. WeisburgerJohn Lerner, Weber ManufacturingLarry Lucas, The AndersonsJesse McDaniel, Countrymark CooperativeTom Meltner, Indiana Department of Environmental ManagementDennis Meredith, Alliance ProductionD. L. Paulson, NovartisMatt Pearson, Office of the Indiana State ChemistLarry Pinto, Pinto AssociatesTerry Pollard, Nebraska State PatrolRoger Powers, Allen County Emergency Management AgencyCraig Schroll, FIRECONDave Sieber, Morning Star CorporationBrad Smith, Indiana Department of Environmental ManagementThomas Stanley, Countrymark CooperativeMark Stoddard, Indiana Department of Environmental ManagementGary Teeple, Central SoyaTim Thomas, Office of the State Fire MarshalScott Wiedeman, Turfmaster by WiedemanRoger Yeary, TruGreen-ChemLawn

ACKNOWLEDGMENTSACKNOWLEDGMENTSACKNOWLEDGMENTSACKNOWLEDGMENTSACKNOWLEDGMENTS

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This publication is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to offer legal advice. Always read theregulation and, when in doubt, contact the regulatory agency or your legal counsel.

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New 6/99

The information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the PurdueUniversity Cooperative Extension Service is implied.

Cooperative Extension work in Agriculture and Home Economics, state of Indiana, Purdue University and U.S. Department ofAgriculture cooperating. H.A. Wadsworth, Director, West Lafayette, IN. Issued in the furtherance of the acts of May 8 and June 3,1914. The Cooperative Extension Service of Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution.

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